CARBON COMPOSITE MEMBRANES - A SOLUTION TO ADVERSE HUMIDITY EFFECTS

被引:65
作者
JONES, CW
KOROS, WJ
机构
[1] Separations Research Program, Center for Energy Studies, University of Texas at Austin, Austin
关键词
D O I
10.1021/ie00040a015
中图分类号
TQ [化学工业];
学科分类号
0817 ;
摘要
While the separation properties of carbon molecular sieving membranes are superior to those of other materials, a significant drawback has been their vulnerability to adverse effects from exposure to water vapor. Since significant membrane function is maintained at low levels of exposure, efforts were focused on devising a means to lower the water activity at the carbon surface. This was successfully accomplished with the development of carbon composite membranes. These membranes consist of a hollow fiber carbon membrane coated with a thin layer of certain unique polymeric materials. The polymers are highly hydrophobic but do not prohibitively reduce the flux of other permeating species, and the resulting composite membranes are much more resistant to water vapor effects. The performance of the composite membranes is analyzed in terms of the series resistance model. While small losses in selectivity and productivity occur as a result of the resistance added by the polymer layer, the composite membranes are still very attractive as compared to conventional polymer membranes. The polymer barrier type and thickness and the resulting degree of protection are variables that can be tailored in a controlled manner for specific applications.
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页码:164 / 167
页数:4
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