Chapter 4 - Separation Theory of Silica Membranes

Abstract

A membrane technology is a separation process that covers a broad range of problems from particles to molecules and a wide variety of membranes are available to design process. Although the membranes may vary in material (organic vs. inorganic) and structure (porous vs. dense) the basic principle of membrane separation is the same. The separation process and mass transport through the membrane is a function of the membrane being used and the constituents being separated, and subsequently the theory used to describe the process and mechanisms. Hence, silica membranes as one of the most promising candidates in inorganic membrane category could be attended. In recent years, these types of membranes have indicted high potentials for both aspects of gas and liquid separations. Therefore, in this chapter, after discussing about progress in silica membranes, is introduced the performance of silica membranes, followed by evaluation of transport mechanism of various silica membranes in separation processes.