Preparation of ordered mesoporous carbon membranes by a soft-templating method

Preparation of continuous mesoporous carbon membranes without the use of an intermediate inorganic template was achieved using a thermosetting phenolic resin, resorcinol/phloroglucinol/formaldehyde, and a thermally-decomposable organic template, Pluronic F127 (PEO106–PPO70–PEO106). The coating solution was cast on porous α-alumina supports by dip-coating. Afterwards, decomposition of the organic template and solidification of the carbon precursors are simultaneously performed through a carbonization process. A composite layer of carbon/alumina was formed. The single gas permeation was governed by the Knudsen diffusion mechanism. The membrane exhibited high hydrothermal stability and high alkaline resistance.