Inorganic Membranes

In this research line we work on the development, characterization and testing of inorganic membranes.

The first types of membranes are the Pd-based membranes for hydrogen separation. The second type on inorganic membranes is related to the development of stable oxygen selective membranes that can be used to separate oxygen from air at high temperature. These membranes are very interesting for partial oxidation reactions, where oxygen is needed and is often produced by external air separation units (very costly and energy intensive). The third type of membranes are Carbon Molecular Sieves Membranes (CMS); inorganic membranes considered as potential candidates for gas separation because of their high mechanical strength and good thermal stability. CMS are produced by carbonization of a suitable thermosetting polymeric precursor under an inert atmosphere or vacuum. The control over the molecular dimensions of the micro-pores and the subsequent molecular sieving properties can be tuned by optimizing the precursor material, preparation procedure, pre-treatment of the precursor, carbonization temperature history, and post-treatment of the carbonized membranes.

In this research line we work on the development, characterization and testing of inorganic membranes.

The first types of membranes are the Pd-based membranes for hydrogen separation. The second type on inorganic membranes is related to the development of stable oxygen selective membranes that can be used to separate oxygen from air at high temperature. These membranes are very interesting for partial oxidation reactions, where oxygen is needed and is often produced by external air separation units (very costly and energy intensive). The third type of membranes are Carbon Molecular Sieves Membranes (CMS); inorganic membranes considered as potential candidates for gas separation because of their high mechanical strength and good thermal stability. CMS are produced by carbonization of a suitable thermosetting polymeric precursor under an inert atmosphere or vacuum. The control over the molecular dimensions of the micro-pores and the subsequent molecular sieving properties can be tuned by optimizing the precursor material, preparation procedure, pre-treatment of the precursor, carbonization temperature history, and post-treatment of the carbonized membranes.