Preparation and Characterization of Metal Membranes for Gas Separation

Abstract

The purpose of this article is the characterization of permeability and the ideal selectivity of new metallic brass membranes with a “sandwich” structure. Characterization is an important factor related to the morphology, structure, and properties of the membrane. The membranes were examined for simple gas phases, including various exogenous factors on their performance (temperature, pressure, durability). To evaluate their performance, permeate measurements were made at temperatures from -18 to 300°C and at various pressures from 1 to 10 bar. Results have shown that permeability is influenced by the molecular weight and exhibits ideal selectivity greater or equal by Knudsen’s ideal separation factor in a sequence of Η2>He>CH4>N2>O2>Ar≥CO2. The permeability is also a function of the thickness of the membrane, as it shows there’s a decrease in permeability and an increase in selectivity when the thickness is increased. The effect of temperature on these metal membranes is considered an important factor in the operation of membranes and membrane systems. The main feature is the reduction of permeability with the increase of temperature.