Preparation and morphology study of carbon molecular sieve membrane derived from polyimide.

Mondal, Subrata; Elkamel, Ali; Reinalda, Donald; Wang, Kean

Carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes were prepared by pyrolysis of polyimide films at three different temperatures (600, 900, and 1100 °C). The physico-chemical structure and morphology of the derived samples were characterized by a number of techniques. FTIR spectra and SEM/EDX revealed changes in surface chemistry and overall compositions. Raman spectroscopy indicated the co-existence of ordered graphite and amorphous domains. TEM and XRD suggested that the samples possess a 'turbostratic' structure. With the increase of the pyrolytic temperature, the evolution of the microstructure was clearly evidenced. It was observed qualitatively in TEM images and reflected by the d-spacing. The surface area, pore volume, and size distribution of micropores/small micropores were derived from the standard N2 and CO2 isotherms, respectively, and compared for their roles in determining mesopore, micropore, and small micropores. These surface characteristics were analyzed and compared with the gas adsorption/permeation properties.

MOLECULAR sieves; POLYIMIDES; PYROLYSIS

Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2017, Vol 95, Issue 10, p1993

0008-4034

Academic Journal

10.1002/cjce.22881