Novel Composite Inorganic Ceramic Membranes for Gas Separations and Environmental Applications

Abstract

Composite ceramic inorganic membranes have been prepared using different types of support with the aim to achieving high selectivity for lower hydrocarbons. Upon modification of the support, the morphology was examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), which showed a reduction in the pore radius and pore size distribution. Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffraction (EDAX) was used to determine the elemental composition of the membrane. Gas permeation tests were carried out with inorganic ceramic membrane consisting of a ceramic support and a zeolite layer. The permeance of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, methane, propane and argon through the membrane at varying pressures was determined. The effect of the mean pressure of up to 0.1 MPa on the molar flux of the gases at 294 K was determined.