Synthesis of SiOC/Al2O3 nano/macro composites through PDC method; investigation of potentials as layers of a packed bed reactor membrane

Abstract Thanks to a wide range of pore sizes by nano/macro composites of SiOC/Al2O3, such composites can serve as different layers of the structure of Packed Bed Reactor Membranes (PBRM). In the present study, the Polymer-Derived Ceramics method (PDC) has been used to synthesize nano/macro structures. Firstly, the effect of toluene as an extra carbon source on structure and microstructure of SiOC glass-ceramics was evaluated, such that, 4% (Vol) toluene was recognized as the proper amount to facilitate the synthesis of β-SiC at 1300 °C proved by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and HR-TEM. Moreover, the presence of micro/meso-porosities was assessed by BET and TEM, indicating the capability of SiOC to serve as the inner part of the membrane. Different amounts of α-Al2O3 altered the distribution of porosities, such that the more the amount of α-Al2O3, the increased the amount of macro-porosities and decreased the amount of micro/meso-porosities. Thus, each composite can act as a layer of membrane to form a gradient structure in pore size distribution.