Title
Surface-enhanced separation performance of porous inorganic membranes for biofuel conversion applications
Conference Dates
September 11-16, 2016
Abstract
This presentation will introduce a new class of porous inorganic-based membranes, which provide high perm-selective flux by exploiting unique separation mechanisms induced by superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic surface interactions and “confined capillary condensation”. These high-performance architectured surface selective (HiPAS) membranes were originally developed for the purpose of bio-oil/biofuel processing to achieve selective separations at higher flux relative to size selective porous membranes (e.g., inorganic zeolite-based membranes) and better high-temperature tolerance than polymer membranes (> 250°C) for hot vapor processing. Due to surface-enhanced separation selectivity, HiPAS membranes have the potential to enable large-flux separations by increasing membrane pore size from sub-nanometer pores to mesopores (2-50 nm) for vapor phase or micron-scale pores for liquid phase separations. In this paper, we describe an innovative membrane concept and a materials synthesis strategy to fabricate HiPAS membranes, and demonstrate selective permeation in both vapor and liquid phase applications. High permeability and selectivity were demonstrated using surrogate mixtures, such as ethanol-water, toluene-water, and toluene-phenol-water. The overall membrane evaluation results show promise for the future processing of both raw and upgraded biomass pyrolysis product vapors and condensed liquid bio-oil intermediates.
Recommended Citation
Michael Z. Hu, "Surface-enhanced separation performance of porous inorganic membranes for biofuel conversion applications" in "Advanced Membrane Technology VII", Isabel C. Escobar, Professor, University of Kentucky, USA Jamie Hestekin, Associate Professor, University of Arkansas, USA Eds, ECI Symposium Series, (2016). https://dc.engconfintl.org/membrane_technology_vii/20