Carbon molecular sieve membranes for biofuel separation

A feasibility study was conducted to explore the potential application of carbon molecular sieve membranes (CMSMs) in biofuel separation through pervaporation. “Defect-free” carbon/ceramic composite membranes were prepared as the separation barrier for the dehydration of ethanol. The supported CMSM carbonized at 650 °C showed a great total flux of 4 kg/m2 h with a reasonably high separation factor of 50 at a feed temperature of 60 °C and did not swell in high temperature operations. These carbon membranes demonstrate outstanding separation performance and offer a viable alternative to current membranes for the separation and purification of biofuels.

Carbon molecular sieve membranes (CMSM) for ethanol dehydration.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Defect-free carbon/ceramic composite membranes were successfully fabricated.
► CMSM pyrolyzed at 650 °C showed great total flux of 4 kg/m2 h for ethanol dehydration.
► CMSMs did not show swelling behavior in high temperature pervaporation operation.
► D-space of CMSMs prepared can be tailored by controlling pyrolysis temperature profile.
► Oxidation of CMSMs improved their hydrophilicity but broadened the pore size.