Eur. Phys. J. Special Topics 224, 1921-1933 (2015)
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjst/e2015-02510-0

Regular Article

Novel concept for the preparation of gas selective nanocomposite membranes

¹ Institut Européen des Membranes, ENSCM-UM2-CNRS UMR5635, Université de Montpellier, cc047, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
² Specific Polymers, ZAC Via Domitia, 150 avenue des Cocardières, 34160 Castries, France
³ Céramiques Techniques et Industrielles, 382 avenue du Moulinas, La Resclause, 30340 Salindres, France

^a e-mail: martin.drobek@univ-montp2.fr

Received: 5 December 2014
Revised: 21 May 2015
Published online: 30 July 2015

Abstract

In this work we report on a novel concept for the preparation of gas selective composite membranes by a simple and robust synthesis protocol involving a controlled in-situpolycondensation of functional alkoxysilanes within the pores of a mesoporous ceramic matrix. This innovative approach targets the manufacture of thin nanocomposite membranes, allowing good compromise between permeability, selectivity and thermomechanical strength. Compared to simple infiltration, the synthesis protocol allows a controlled formation of gas separation membranes from size-adjusted functional alkoxysilanes by a chemical reaction within the mesopores of a ceramic support, without any formation of a thick and continuous layer on the support top-surface. Membrane permeability can thus be effectively controlled by the thickness and pore size of the mesoporous layer, and by the oligomers chain length. The as-prepared composite membranes are expected to possess a good mechanical and thermomechanical resistance and exhibit a thermally activated transport of He and H₂ up to 150 ^∘C, resulting in enhanced separation factors for specific gas mixtures e.g. F_H2/CO ∼ 10; F_H2/CO2 ∼ 3; F_H2/CH4 ∼ 62.