Synthesis and characterization of nanocomposite MCM-41 ('LUS') ceramic membranes

Abstract A new type of nanocomposite membranes, MCM-41 (‘LUS’)-based material networks grown into porous ceramic membrane support walls (alumina and zirconia), were prepared. Physical characterization (low-angle XRD, TPD, SEM–EDX) confirm the sole presence of the LUS mesostructure (BJH pore size  ≈ 3.2 nm), and in a high enough amount to plug the pores of the tubular supports. Single gas hydrodynamic characterization shows that the contribution of defects (i.e. viscous flux) is negligible or comparable to reference mesoporous commercial membranes (5 nm pore size γ-alumina), but with a considerably enhanced permeance for gases and water, as well as, a single pore size. When compared to literature results on similar organized mesoporous membranes, this work shows even greater improvements.