Synthesis and characterization of alumina supported sub-nanoporous SiO2–10wt%TiO2 membrane for nitrogen separation.

Abstract: Membrane of SiO₂–10TiO₂ was produced by dip coating on mesoporous-titania-coated macroporous alumina support. The amorphous SiO₂–10TiO₂ top layer with thickness of 0.9μm was obtained as a homogenous and defect free surface. Gas permeation tests show a decrease in permeation in order of CH₄ >N₂ for the support, and N₂ >CH₄ for the multilayer membrane. The membrane delivering promised single gas separation factor for N₂/CH₄ (1.75). It was also observed that the membrane separation factor in binary gas mixture was 12–15% of the single gas separation factor, while the permeation revealed a decrease in gas mixture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]