Abstract
Pyrolytic carbons were fabricated from a Kapton precursor. The microstructure of the carbon molecular sieve membranes (CMSMs) was examined by means of sorption tests using pure liquid sorbates of different molar volumes and with the application of positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). The pore sizes of the CMSMs were calculated by PALS and our recently proposed equation relating positron lifetime with free volume radius. The mean pore radius in the CMSMs was demonstrated to be smaller than 3Å. Their ability to separate water from bioethanol was determined. Results of aqueous bioethanol sorption showed evident molecular sieving behavior of the CMSMs despite their hydrophobic surface. This behavior became significant at a high pyrolysis end temperature of 700°C, at which the carbon content was high. The c700 membrane delivered a high permeation flux of 1199g/m2h and a high separation factor of 683. This performance suggests that CMSMs have more potential to separate water from bioethanol through pervaporation or vapor permeation than organic membranes.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
