| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1415698 | Carbon | 2011 | 7 Pages |
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.
Graphical abstractCarbon molecular sieve membranes (CMSM) for ethanol dehydration.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload 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.
