Abstract
This work shows mixed matrix inorganic membranes prepared by the vacuum-assisted impregnation method, where phenolic resin precursors filled the pore of α-alumina substrates. Upon carbonisation, the phenolic resin decomposed into several fragments derived from the backbone of the resin matrix. The final stages of decomposition (>650 °C) led to a formation of carbon molecular sieve (CMS) structures, reaching the lowest average pore sizes of ~5 Å at carbonisation temperatures of 700 °C. The combination of vacuum-assisted impregnation and carbonisation led to the formation of mixed matrix of CMS and α-alumina particles (CMS-Al2O3) in a single membrane. These membranes were tested for pervaporative desalination and gave very high water fluxes of up to 25 kg m−2 h−1 for seawater (NaCl 3.5 wt%) at 75 °C. Salt rejection was also very high varying between 93–99% depending on temperature and feed salt concentration. Interestingly, the water fluxes remained almost constant and were not affected as feed salt concentration increased from 0.3, 1 and 3.5 wt%.
Highlights
This work shows mixed matrix inorganic membranes prepared by the vacuum-assisted impregnation method, where phenolic resin precursors filled the pore of α-alumina substrates
These inorganic membranes technically operate as pervaporation (PV) membranes in desalination, as the membrane plays an integral role in separation, as opposed to traditional membrane distillation (MD) membranes which act as a non-selective porous barrier to liquid transport
We propose a new concept of inorganic mixed matrix membrane contrary to the conventional organic/inorganic mixed phases
Summary
Y, Wang, DK, Birkett, G, Martens, W, Duke, Mikel, Smart, S and Diniz Da Costa, JC (2016) Mixed Matrix Carbon Molecular Sieve and Alumina (CMS-Al2O3) Membranes.
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