Filters with small holes (d < 1 μm) as a tool to separate gases

Abstract

The development of Nuclear Track Microfilters (NTMF) with tiny holes (0.15 μm < d < 1 μm) is described for the polyimide foil UPILEX. These NTMFs were used to study the volume through-put of gases like He, CO, CO 2 and air as a function of the pore diameter d, and to separate a gas mixture of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Preliminary results will be presented, showing that it is possible to separate CO and CO 2 gases to some extent. The experimental results will be compared to the ideal separation factor.