Glucose-derived carbon molecular sieve membrane: An inspiration from cooking

Polymeric precursor affects the structure of carbon membrane, and ultimately, its separating capability after pyrolysis. There, however, remains a large pool of unexplored polymer for low-cost, high-performing carbon membrane. Herein, we explore glucose, a simple sugar, as the precursor for carbon membrane. The idea originates from observing burnt char during cooking. The glucose layer on a supported ceramic is converted to carbon matrix at 180 °C and 50 bars in nitrogen. The carbon matrix exhibits size-sieving mechanism, with ideal H2/N2 and H2/CH4 selectivities of 11.6 and 9.9 respectively, and H2 permeability of 8705 Barrer, exceeding the Robeson line.

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