Carbon membranes for gas separation processes: Recent progress and future perspective

Salleh, W. N. W.; Ismail, Ahmad Fauzi

doi:10.22079/jmsr.2015.12301

Carbon membranes for gas separation processes: Recent progress and future perspective

Document Type : Review Paper

Authors

W. N. W. Salleh ¹

Ahmad Fauzi Ismail ²

¹ Faculty of Petroleum and Renewable Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

² Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

10.22079/jmsr.2015.12301

Abstract

Carbon membrane can be produced using a wide variety of polymer precursor materials via heat treatment process. A general concept route of precursor selection-preparation-modification-performance analysis platform for the carbon membrane has been proposed to promote the development of carbon membrane material for a wide range of application. The current review considers the recent progress of carbon membrane preparation and the potential applications in gas separation and membrane reactor system. In particular, the current carbon membranes for CO₂, N₂, and H₂ separation are reviewed, along with special emphasis to their membrane precursor materials and the technique used to improve the membrane’s performance. Issues affecting membrane performance such as the preparation method to produce supported carbon membrane are explored aligned with the future research to achieve commercially viable processes. For future perspective, carbon membranes hold significant potential and great promise for further investigation, development, and application.

Graphical Abstract