Method and installation for applying a layer containing or consisting of metal to a membrane carrier, and membrane carrier which can be in the form of a membrane carrier-membrane arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an installation for applying a metal-containing layer to a membrane carrier and to a membrane carrier which can be in the form of a membrane carrier-membrane arrangement. The method comprises providing a flat, porous membrane carrier containing or consisting of a material selected from the following group: ceramic, glass, metal and combinations thereof. In the case of a planar membrane carrier, a deposition surface is defined by surfaces of the membrane carrier which extend perpendicularly in relation to a planar surface of the membrane carrier, and in the case of a cylindrical membrane carrier a deposition surface is defined by surfaces of the membrane carrier which form the base and / or top of the cylinder of the membrane carrier. A metal-containing layer is applied by means of dispersion or electrochemical deposition to the deposition surface and to a further membrane-carrier surface in contact with the deposition surface.

Description

[0001] Fraunhofer Society...eV

[0002] P149665PC00

[0003] Method and apparatus for applying a layer containing or consisting of metal to a membrane support, and membrane support which can be configured as a membrane support-membrane assembly. A method and apparatus for applying a metal-containing layer are described.

[0004] A layer is applied to a membrane support, and a membrane support, which can be configured as a membrane support-membrane assembly, is provided. The process includes providing a planar, porous membrane support containing or consisting of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramics, glass, metals, and combinations thereof. In the case of a planar membrane support, a deposition area is defined by surfaces of the membrane support extending perpendicular to a planar surface of the membrane support. In the case of a cylindrical membrane support, a deposition area is defined by surfaces of the membrane support that form the base and / or top surface of the cylinder of the membrane support. A metal-containing layer is applied to the deposition area and to another surface of the membrane support contacting the deposition area by dispersion or electrochemical deposition. The sealing of membrane supports or...Membrane support-membrane arrangements are, according to the state of the art, dependent on the support material.

[0005] Special oxide glasses are frequently used to seal porous oxide membrane substrates (e.g., made of aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium oxide and their mixed oxides, as well as with additives such as yttrium oxide). These seals are also suitable for high-temperature applications. However, the disadvantage is that this type of seal is unsuitable for membrane substrates made of a non-oxide material (e.g., SiC), because the oxygen contained in the glasses reacts with the non-oxide substrate material. For example, in the case of glass seals on porous SiC, a chemical reaction at the interface produces, for example, CO and other gases, leading to extreme bubble formation and ultimately glass foam formation, which makes a reliable and gas-tight seal impossible.

[0006] Sealing membrane supports by coating them with ceramic slurries or pastes and then sintering (firing) is also a well-known method. However, the use of oxide ceramic slurries or pastes results in seals that exhibit residual porosity and are therefore not reliably liquid-tight or gas-tight. Such seals are unsuitable, especially for fine ultrafiltration membranes and for separation processes based on micropores (nanofiltration, gas separation), as they cannot provide reliable liquid-tightness or gas-tightness.

[0007] Furthermore, it is known in the prior art to seal membrane supports using plastics based on high-performance polymers (e.g., PEEK, fluorinated hydrocarbons such as PTFE, polyepoxy resins and their mixtures) as well as their composites with inorganic particles. Plastics are also generally suitable for sealing porous metals and non-oxide ceramics such as silicon carbide (SiC). However, they have the disadvantage of a maximum operating temperature of approximately 300 °C, meaning that the plastics soften during operation of the membrane supports and can lose their sealing capacity. Above a temperature of 350 °C, degradation of the plastics even occurs, further contributing to leakage and, in the case of fluorinated plastics (e.g., PTFE), causing the release of highly toxic decomposition products (e.g., OCF2 and other fluorine species).

[0008] Metallic seals are possible for porous metal membrane supports. For example, metal sleeves can be used, but these must also contain another sealing material (such as plastics or other metals) and cannot guarantee a sufficiently high level of tightness against liquids and gases. The well-known metal seal using liquid metals also has the disadvantage that the liquid metals bead up on the ceramic membrane supports due to their surface tension (similar to mercury). While it is also known to deposit metals onto ceramics by sputtering, sputtered layers cannot ensure a reliable seal against liquids and gases. Furthermore, coating the inner channels of membrane supports via sputtering is impossible or impractical.

[0009] Furthermore, it is also known to press membrane carriers into graphite for sealing purposes. However, for this to work, the membrane carriers must have high mechanical stability (i.e., a large wall thickness), and this type of seal cannot provide a reliable seal against liquids or gases.

[0010] There is therefore an urgent need to equip porous membrane supports made of ceramic, metal and / or glass, especially non-oxide high-performance ceramics (such as SiC), with a suitable liquid-tight (preferably also gas-tight) seal (i.e., such an “endcapping”) that exhibits reliable stability and tightness at high temperatures from 300 °C upwards.

[0011] Based on this, the object of the present invention was to provide a method and a system that overcome at least one disadvantage of the prior art. In particular, the method and the system should make it possible to produce a membrane support (especially a membrane support made of a non-oxide ceramic) in a simple, fast, cost-effective and safe manner, which exhibits excellent, reliable, temperature-stable and long-term stable sealing against liquids, and especially also against gases.

[0012] The problem is solved by the method with the features of claim 1, the system with the features of claim 12, and the membrane support with the features of claim 23. The dependent claims describe advantageous embodiments.

[0013] According to the invention, a method for applying a layer containing or consisting of metal to a membrane support is provided, comprising or consisting of the following steps: a) providing a planar, porous membrane support containing or consisting of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramic, glass, metal and combinations thereof, wherein the membrane support

[0014] - is planar in design and surfaces of the membrane support that extend perpendicular to a planar surface of the membrane support constitute a separation surface; or

[0015] - is cylindrically designed and surfaces of the membrane support which form the base and / or top surface of the cylinder of the membrane support constitute a deposition surface; b) application of a layer containing or consisting of metal to the deposition surface and to another surface of the membrane support which contacts the deposition surface, over

[0016] - the application of a dispersion containing metal particles and a gas and / or a liquid, or

[0017] - an electrochemical deposition, if the deposition surface and the other surface are electrically conductive.

[0018] The inventive method makes it possible to produce a membrane support (in particular a membrane support made of a non-oxide ceramic) in a simple, fast, cost-effective and safe manner, which exhibits excellent, reliable, temperature-stable and long-term stable sealing against liquids, and especially also against gases. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive method produces a porous membrane support whose layer (which contains or consists of metal and which is / was applied to the deposition surface and the further surface of the membrane support) is impermeable to all gases except hydrogen and its isotopes.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, in step a) of the method, at least one planar, porous membrane is applied to the membrane support, the membrane containing or consisting of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramics, glass, carbon and its modifications, metal, metal-organic networks and combinations thereof, wherein, in addition to the membrane support, the at least one membrane is also applied.

[0020] - is designed to be planar and the separation surface also includes surfaces of the at least one membrane that extend perpendicular to a planar surface of the membrane, or

[0021] - is cylindrically designed and the deposition surface also includes surfaces of the at least one membrane which form the base and / or top surfaces of the cylinder of the membrane; wherein the layer in step b) is preferably also applied to a further surface of the at least one membrane which contacts the deposition surface.

[0022] This embodiment has the advantage that a membrane support with membrane, i.e. a membrane support-membrane arrangement, can be manufactured in a simple, quick, cost-effective and safe manner, wherein the membrane support-membrane arrangement has an excellent, reliable, temperature-stable and long-term stable seal against liquids, and especially against gases.

[0023] The membrane support (e.g., configured as a membrane support-membrane assembly) can be pretreated prior to step b) using plasma processes (e.g., atmospheric pressure and / or low-pressure processes, optionally with the addition of reactive additives), Pyrosil® processes, and / or etching with acids (e.g., HF and / or aqua regia) or bases (e.g., NaOH). This measure can improve the adhesion of the layer to the deposition surface. According to the invention, the carbon modifications can be selected from the group consisting of graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and combinations thereof (which then form the group of carbon-based membranes (CBMs)).

[0024] In this process, at least one membrane can contact the membrane support.

[0025] Furthermore, in the process, the at least one membrane can contain or consist of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramics, glass, carbon and its modifications, metals, metal-organic networks, and combinations thereof. The metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of precious metals, more preferably from the group consisting of platinum, rhodium, palladium, and alloys thereof. Furthermore, the membrane can preferably contain or consist of a ceramic, wherein the ceramic is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of SiC, SiN, SiCN, Al₂O₃, TiCh, ZrCh, SiCh, HfCh, zeolite, and combinations thereof.

[0026] Furthermore, in the process the at least one membrane can have a thickness in the range of 0.1 nm to 1000 pm, preferably 1 nm to 100 pm, particularly preferably 5 nm to 10 pm, especially 10 nm to 1 pm.

[0027] In the process, the membrane support can contain or consist of a ceramic, preferably selected from the group consisting of carbide ceramic, nitride ceramic, oxide ceramic and combinations thereof, wherein the ceramic is particularly selected from the group consisting of SiC, SiN, Al2O3, TiC>2, ZrÜ2, HfCh, SiCh and combinations thereof.

[0028] Furthermore, in the process, the membrane support can contain or consist of a metal, preferably selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, brass, silver, and combinations thereof. In addition, in the process, the membrane support can contain or consist of a glass, preferably selected from the group consisting of silicate glass, borosilicate glass, Vycor, quartz glass, glass sealant, glass-ceramic sealant, and combinations thereof.

[0029] Furthermore, in this process the membrane carrier can have a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 5 mm.

[0030] Furthermore, in this process the membrane carrier can contain or consist of at least two, optionally more than two, layers with different porosities.

[0031] In this method, the membrane carrier can be cylindrical and have n continuous channels in an interior space, extending along the cylinder axis and formed by the membrane carrier, where n is an integer. At least one membrane is arranged in at least one of the n channels and contacts the membrane carrier there, preferably with a membrane arranged in each of the n channels, each of which contacts the membrane carrier. Alternatively, no membrane is arranged in at least one of the n channels, preferably without a membrane in any of the n channels.

[0032] In this process, the dispersion can be an aerosol containing or consisting of the metal particles and a gas.

[0033] The gas is preferably selected from the group consisting of gaseous hydrocarbons, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, noble gas, air and combinations thereof, wherein the gaseous hydrocarbon is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of propane, butane isomers and mixtures thereof.

[0034] The aerosol is preferably applied via metal spraying, preferably via cold gas spraying, flame spraying and / or plasma spraying.

[0035] Alternatively, in the process, the dispersion can be a suspension containing or consisting of the metal particles and a liquid. The liquid is preferably selected from the group consisting of water, at least one organic solvent, and combinations thereof. The at least one organic solvent is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of linear or branched, aliphatic or cyclic hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, saturated esters (e.g., ethyl acetate and / or n-butyl acetate), unsaturated esters, methyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, Cs-Ci4 alkane, and combinations thereof.

[0036] In this process, the liquid can be evaporated after the dispersion has been applied, optionally by heating the layer.

[0037] Furthermore, the suspension in the process may also contain at least one binder.

[0038] The at least one binder may contain a water-insoluble polymer, wherein the at least one water-insoluble polymer is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon resins, wherein the hydrocarbon resins are in particular selected from the group consisting of petroleum resins, terpene resins, coumaron-indene resins and xylene-formaldehyde resins.

[0039] Furthermore, at least one binder may contain or consist of a water-soluble polymer.

[0040] In addition, at least one binder may contain or consist of a saturated or unsaturated Ci2-C2o fatty acid.

[0041] Furthermore, the at least one binder can contain a polymerizable compound, wherein the polymerizable compound is preferably selected from the group consisting of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, the at least one unsaturated compound being particularly preferably maleic anhydride or itaconic anhydride. In addition, the suspension can be applied by a method selected from the group consisting of dipping, brushing, gas spraying, electrospraying, spin coating, flooding, and combinations thereof. The brushing method preferably includes or consists of application with a brush and / or a roller.The spraying method may include or consist of spraying using at least one gas, wherein the at least one gas is in particular selected from the group consisting of air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, gaseous hydrocarbons, noble gases and combinations thereof.

[0042] In the process, the metal particles may contain or consist of a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminium, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, bismuth, nickel, cobalt, titanium, lead, precious metals and combinations and alloys thereof.

[0043] Furthermore, in the process the metal particles can have a shape selected from the group consisting of spherical shape and non-spherical shape, wherein the non-spherical shape is preferably selected from the group consisting of platelet-shaped shape, rod-shaped shape, flake-shaped shape and combinations thereof;

[0044] Furthermore, in this process the metal particles can have a maximum extent in all spatial directions in the range of 1 nm to 1000 pm, preferably in the range of 10 nm to 500 pm, particularly preferably in the range of 100 nm to 150 pm, and most preferably in the range of 0.5 pm to 80 pm.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the further area contacting the deposition surface extends a maximum of 20 cm, and in particular a maximum of 2 cm, away from the deposition surface of the arrangement. The smaller the extension of the further area from the deposition surface, the smaller its surface area and the less surface of the membrane support is covered with a layer containing or consisting of a metal. According to step b) of the method, the method can include heating areas of the membrane support onto which the dispersion has been applied. Surprisingly, it was found that after heating, i.e., after the thermal treatment, the layer exhibits an even stronger bond to the membrane support (and also to a membrane, if the membrane support has a membrane).the layer does not detach from the membrane support despite different coefficients of expansion between the layer material and the membrane support material.

[0046] The areas in question can be heated to a temperature in the range of > 25 °C, preferably > 150 °C, particularly preferably in the range of 200 °C to 1600 °C.

[0047] Furthermore, heating can be carried out in a protective gas atmosphere, the protective gas preferably being selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, noble gas and combinations thereof.

[0048] Furthermore, heating can be carried out up to a temperature at which the metal particles bond together, preferably up to a temperature at which the metal particles sinter or melt.

[0049] Apart from that, after heating, step b) can be performed again, followed by another heating cycle. This procedure is preferably repeated n times, where n is an integer, and the repetition is particularly preferably carried out until a layer of the desired thickness is produced. This procedure has the advantage that a very thick layer containing or consisting of a metal can be applied.

[0050] The process can, after step b), comprise applying a liquid metal to the areas onto which the layer was applied in step b), wherein the liquid metal is optionally different from the metal containing or consisting of the metal particles, and wherein the liquid metal is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of tin, zinc, copper, bismuth, silver, lead, and combinations thereof. This measure has the advantage that the electrical resistance of the layer can be greatly reduced (e.g., to < 0.2 ohms) and the layer becomes an electrical conductor.

[0051] Furthermore, the process according to step b) can comprise the application of an additional layer containing or consisting of another metal to the areas onto which the layer in step b) was applied, using an electrochemical process. The additional metal is optionally different from the metal containing or consisting of the metal particles, wherein the additional metal is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of nickel, chromium, copper, cadmium, tin, aluminum, and precious metals such as silver, palladium, gold, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and combinations thereof. This measure has the advantage that the electrical resistance of the layer can be greatly reduced (e.g., to < 0.2 ohms) and the layer becomes an electrical conductor.

[0052] Furthermore, the process according to step b) can include the application of another layer containing or consisting of another metal to the areas onto which the layer in step b) was applied by electroless deposition. The additional metal is optionally different from the metal containing or consisting of the metal particles, wherein the additional metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of copper, palladium, electroless nickel, tin, platinum, gold, and combinations thereof. The electroless nickel particularly preferably contains at least one substance selected from the group consisting of phosphorus, selenium, metal, carbide, oxide, nitride, PTFE, graphite, and combinations thereof. Electroless nickel has the advantage of exhibiting high chemical and mechanical stability against oxidizing acids. This measure has the advantage that the electrical resistance of the layer can be significantly reduced (e.g.,to < 0.2 ohms) and the layer represents an electrical conductor.

[0053] According to the invention, a device for applying a layer containing or consisting of metal to a membrane support is further provided, comprising or consisting of: a) a planar, porous membrane support comprising or consisting of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramic, glass, metal and combinations thereof, wherein the membrane support is planar and surfaces of the membrane support extending perpendicular to a planar surface of the membrane support constitute a deposition surface; or

[0054] - is cylindrically shaped and surfaces of the membrane support which form the base and / or top surface of the cylinder of the membrane support constitute a deposition surface; b) a device for applying a dispersion, and a dispersion containing metal particles and a gas and / or a liquid, and / or a device for electrochemical deposition; and c) a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to form a layer containing or consisting of a metal,

[0055] - to cause the device for applying the dispersion to apply the dispersion, which contains metal particles and a gas and / or a liquid, to the deposition surface and to apply it to another surface of the membrane carrier which contacts the deposition surface, or

[0056] - to cause the electrochemical deposition device to deposit a layer containing or consisting of metal onto the deposition surface and onto another surface of the membrane support which contacts the deposition surface, if the deposition surface and the other surface are electrically conductive.

[0057] With the system according to the invention, it is possible to produce a membrane support (in particular a membrane support made of a non-oxide ceramic) in a simple, fast, cost-effective and safe manner, which has an excellent, reliable, temperature-stable and long-term stable seal against liquids, and especially also against gases.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit of the system is configured to cause the system to produce a porous membrane support whose layer (containing or consisting of a metal, and applied to the deposition surface and the further surface of the membrane support) is impermeable to all gases except hydrogen and its isotopes. In addition to the membrane support, the system may include at least one planar, porous membrane applied to the membrane support and containing or consisting of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramics, glass, carbon and its modifications, metal, metal-organic networks, and combinations thereof.

[0059] - is planar in design and the separation surface also includes surfaces of the at least one membrane that extend perpendicular to a planar surface of the membrane; or

[0060] - is cylindrically designed and the deposition surface also includes surfaces of the at least one membrane which form the base surface and / or top surface of the cylinder of the membrane; wherein the control unit is preferably configured to also apply the layer to another surface of the at least one membrane which contacts the deposition surface.

[0061] The membrane of the system can contact the membrane carrier.

[0062] Furthermore, the membrane of the system can contain or consist of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramics, glass, carbon and its modifications, metals, metal-organic networks, and combinations thereof. The metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of precious metals, particularly preferably from the group consisting of platinum, rhodium, palladium, and alloys thereof. The membrane preferably contains or consists of a ceramic, wherein the ceramic is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of SiC, SiN, SiCN, Al₂O₃, Ti₂, Zr₂, SiO₂, HfCh, zeolite, MOF, and combinations thereof.

[0063] Furthermore, the membrane of the system can have a thickness in the range of 0.1 nm to 1000 pm, preferably 1 nm to 100 pm, particularly preferably 5 nm to 10 pm, especially 10 nm to 1 pm.

[0064] The membrane support of the system can contain or consist of a ceramic material preferably selected from the group consisting of carbide ceramics, nitride ceramics, oxide ceramics and combinations thereof, wherein the ceramic material is particularly selected from the group consisting of SiC, SiN, Al2O3, TiÜ2, ZrÜ2, HfÜ2, SiO2 and combinations thereof.

[0065] Furthermore, the membrane support of the system may contain or consist of a metal, preferably selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, brass, silver and combinations thereof.

[0066] Furthermore, the membrane support of the system may contain or consist of a glass, preferably selected from the group consisting of silicate glass, borosilicate glass, Vycor, quartz glass, glass sealant, glass-ceramic sealant and combinations thereof.

[0067] Apart from that, the membrane support of the system can have a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 5 mm.

[0068] Furthermore, the membrane support of the system can contain or consist of at least two, optionally more than two, layers with different porosities.

[0069] The membrane carrier of the system can be cylindrical and have n continuous channels in an interior space, extending along the cylinder axis and formed by the membrane carrier, where n is an integer. At least one membrane is arranged in at least one of the n channels and makes full contact with the membrane carrier there, preferably with a membrane in each of the n channels, each of which makes full contact with the membrane carrier. Alternatively, no membrane is arranged in at least one of the n channels, preferably no membrane is arranged in any of the n channels.

[0070] The dispersion can be an aerosol containing or consisting of the metal particles and a gas. The gas is preferably selected from the group consisting of gaseous hydrocarbons, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, noble gases, air, and combinations thereof, wherein the gaseous hydrocarbon is preferably selected from the group consisting of propane, butane isomers, and mixtures thereof.

[0071] The control unit of the system can be configured to cause the device to apply the aerosol via metal spraying, preferably via cold gas spraying, flame spraying and / or plasma spraying.

[0072] Alternatively, the dispersion can be a suspension containing or consisting of the metal particles and a liquid.

[0073] The liquid may be selected from the group consisting of water, at least one organic solvent and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one organic solvent is preferably selected from the group consisting of linear or branched, aliphatic or cyclic hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, saturated esters (e.g. ethyl acetate and / or n-butyl acetate), unsaturated esters, methyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, Cs-Cu alkane, and combinations thereof.

[0074] The control unit of the system can be configured to cause the system to evaporate the liquid after the dispersion has been applied, optionally by causing a heating device of the system to heat the layer.

[0075] Furthermore, the suspension may also contain at least one binder.

[0076] The at least one binder can contain a water-insoluble polymer, wherein the at least one water-insoluble polymer is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon resins, wherein the hydrocarbon resins are particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of petroleum resins, terpene resins, coumaron-indene resins and xylene-formaldehyde resins.

[0077] Furthermore, the at least one binder may contain or consist of a water-soluble polymer. Additionally, the at least one binder may contain or consist of a saturated or unsaturated Ci2-C2o fatty acid.

[0078] Apart from that, the at least one binder can contain a polymerizable compound, wherein the polymerizable compound is preferably selected from the group consisting of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, wherein the at least one unsaturated compound is particularly preferably maleic anhydride or itaconic anhydride.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit of the system can be configured to cause the device to apply the suspension by a method selected from the group consisting of immersion, brushing, gas spraying, electrospraying, spin coating, flooding, and combinations thereof. For brushing, the device can include a brush and / or a roller. For spraying, the device can also include a gas source, the gas preferably being selected from the group consisting of air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, gaseous hydrocarbons, noble gases, and combinations thereof.

[0080] The Meta 11 particles may contain or consist of a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminium, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, bismuth, nickel, cobalt, titanium, lead, precious metals and combinations and alloys thereof.

[0081] Furthermore, the metal particles can have a shape selected from the group consisting of spherical shape and non-spherical shape, wherein the non-spherical shape is preferably selected from the group consisting of platelet-shaped shape, rod-shaped shape, flake-shaped shape and combinations thereof.

[0082] Furthermore, the metal particles can have a maximum dimension in all spatial directions in the range of 1 nm to 1000 pm, preferably in the range of 10 nm to 500 pm, particularly preferably in the range of 100 nm to 150 pm, and most preferably in the range of 0.5 pm to 80 pm. The additional area that contacts the deposition surface can extend a maximum of 20 cm, and in particular a maximum of 2 cm, away from the deposition surface of the arrangement.

[0083] The system may include a heating device and the control unit may be configured to cause the heating device to heat areas of the arrangement onto which the dispersion has been applied, after the dispersion has been applied.

[0084] The control unit can be configured to cause said areas to be heated by the heating device to a temperature in the range of > 25 °C, preferably > 150 °C, particularly preferably in the range of 200 °C to 1600 °C.

[0085] The system may include a protective gas source and the control unit may be configured to cause the system to perform heating in a protective gas atmosphere, wherein the protective gas of the protective gas source is preferably selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, noble gas and combinations thereof.

[0086] Furthermore, the control unit of the plant can be configured to cause the heating to be carried out up to a temperature at which the metal particles bond together, wherein the control unit is preferably configured to cause the heating to be carried out up to a temperature at which the metal particles sinter or fuse.

[0087] Apart from that, the control unit of the system can be configured to cause the system's dispersion to be reapplied to the deposition surface and to the further surface of the membrane support after heating, and then the heating process to be carried out again, wherein the control unit is preferably configured to repeat this procedure n times, where n is an integer, particularly preferably until a layer of a desired thickness is produced.The system may further include a source of a liquid metal and the control unit may be configured to cause the system to apply the liquid metal to the areas on which the layer has been applied, wherein the liquid metal is optionally different from the metal that the metal particles contain or from which they consist, wherein the liquid metal is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of tin, zinc, copper, bismuth, silver, lead and combinations thereof.

[0088] Furthermore, the system can include an (optionally second) electrochemical deposition device, and the control unit can be configured to cause the (optionally second) electrochemical deposition device of the system to deposit, via electrochemical deposition, a further layer containing or consisting of another metal onto the areas to which the layer has been deposited. The further metal is optionally different from the metal containing or consisting of the metal particles, wherein the further metal is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of nickel, chromium, copper, cadmium, tin, aluminum, and precious metals such as silver, palladium, gold, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and combinations thereof.

[0089] Furthermore, the system can include a device for electroless deposition, and the control unit can be configured to cause the electroless deposition device to deposit a further layer, containing or consisting of another metal, onto the areas to which the layer has already been applied, via electroless deposition. The further metal is optionally different from the metal containing or consisting of the metal particles, wherein the further metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of copper, palladium, electroless nickel, tin, platinum, gold, and combinations thereof. The electroless nickel particularly preferably contains at least one substance selected from the group consisting of phosphorus, selenium, metal, carbide, oxide, nitride, PTFE, graphite, and combinations thereof.

[0090] According to the invention, a planar porous membrane support is further provided, which contains or consists of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramics, glass, metal and combinations thereof, wherein the membrane support is planar and surfaces of the membrane support extending perpendicular to a planar surface of the membrane support constitute a deposition surface; or is cylindrical and surfaces of the membrane support forming the base and / or top surface of the cylinder of the membrane support constitute a deposition surface; characterized in that a layer containing or consisting of a metal is applied to the deposition surface and to a further surface of the membrane support that contacts the deposition surface, wherein the layer is liquid-tight, preferably tight with respect to all gases except hydrogen and its isotopes.

[0091] The membrane carrier according to the invention is simple, quick, cost-effective and safe to manufacture and has an excellent, reliable, temperature-stable and long-term stable seal against liquids, and especially against gases.

[0092] The membrane support according to the invention can further comprise at least one planar, porous membrane arranged on the membrane support and which contains or consists of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramic, glass, metal, carbon and its modifications, metal-organic network and combinations thereof, wherein, in addition to the membrane support, the at least one membrane is also designed to be planar and the deposition surface also comprises surfaces of the at least one membrane which extend perpendicular to a planar surface of the membrane, or is designed to be cylindrical and the deposition surface also comprises surfaces of the at least one membrane which form the base surface and / or top surface of the cylinder of the membrane;characterized in that a layer containing or consisting of a metal is applied to the deposition surface and to a further surface of the membrane which contacts the deposition surface, wherein the layer is liquid-tight, preferably tight with respect to all gases except hydrogen and its isotopes.

[0093] This membrane support according to the invention (i.e., this membrane support-membrane arrangement) is easy, quick, cost-effective and safe to manufacture and has an excellent, reliable, temperature-stable and long-term stable seal against liquids, and especially against gases.

[0094] The layer of the membrane support according to the invention can have an electrical resistance of a maximum of 45 kΩ, preferably a maximum of 10 kΩ, and particularly preferably a maximum of 1 kΩ. The lower the electrical resistance, the higher the conductivity of the layer for electric current. It thus becomes possible to electrically contact the membrane support at the layer and to heat it by applying an electrical voltage (electrical resistance heating). For example, it is thus possible to electrically heat a membrane support made of SiC via its layer, which contains or consists of a metal.

[0095] Furthermore, the layer of the membrane support according to the invention can be soldered to at least one metallic object, wherein the metallic object is preferably selected from the group consisting of metallic olives, metallic tubes, metallic screw threads, metallic double nipples, metallic caps, and combinations thereof. Such a soldering is possible in a mechanically stable manner because the layer of the membrane support contains or consists of a metal.

[0096] The membrane carrier according to the invention can be produced using the method according to the invention.

[0097] The membrane support according to the invention can be used in membrane-driven separation processes of gases and liquids, as well as in the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, cosmetic and food industries, and in the energy sector.

[0098] The following figures and examples are intended to explain the subject matter of the invention in more detail, without limiting it to the specific embodiments shown here.

[0099] Figure 1 schematically shows two different membrane carriers according to the invention, each of which is planar. The planar membrane carrier 1 has a layer 4 on its deposition surface 2 and on a further surface 3, which contacts the deposition surface 3. This layer contains or consists of a metal. The membrane carrier according to the invention shown in Figure 1A has no membrane. The membrane carrier according to the invention shown in Figure 1B has a membrane 5, which is arranged on a planar surface of the membrane carrier 1 and which contacts the membrane carrier 1 there (contacting of the membrane on a top surface of the membrane carrier 1).

[0100] Figure 2 schematically shows three different membrane carriers according to the invention, each of which is cylindrical. The cylindrical membrane carrier 1 has a layer 4 on its deposition surface 2 and on a further surface 3, which contacts the deposition surface 3. This layer contains or consists of a metal. The membrane carrier according to the invention shown in Figure 2A does not have a membrane. The membrane carrier according to the invention shown in Figure 2B has a membrane 5, which is arranged in an interior space of the cylindrical membrane carrier 1 and which contacts the membrane carrier 1 there (contact of the membrane on the inner surface of the cylinder of the membrane carrier 1). The membrane carrier according to the invention shown in Figure 2C has a membrane 5, which is arranged in an exterior space of the cylindrical membrane carrier 1 and which contacts the membrane carrier 1 there (contact of the membrane on the outer surface of the cylinder of the membrane carrier 1).

[0101] The resistance values ​​of the layers in the following examples were determined using a digital multimeter and a probe spacing of 1 cm on the layer.

[0102] Example 1 - Aluminum I-layer on a porous SiC-based membrane tube with SiC membrane

[0103] To apply an aluminum coating, a porous SiC membrane support tube with an inner SiC membrane coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray that is temperature resistant up to 600 °C while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 400 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. This results in a firmly adhering, silvery-white aluminum coating that is impervious to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The electrical resistance is in the low range, for example, 300 ohms.

[0104] Example 2 - Aluminium-II layer on a porous SiC-based membrane tube with SiC membrane

[0105] To apply an aluminum coating, a porous SiC membrane support tube with an inner SiC membrane coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray that is temperature resistant up to 800 °C while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 400 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. This forms a firmly adhering, silvery-white aluminum coating that is impervious to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The electrical resistance is in the low range, for example, 200 ohms.

[0106] Example 2a - Aluminium-II layer on a porous SiC-based membrane tube with SiC membrane

[0107] To apply an aluminum coating, a porous SiC membrane support tube with an inner SiC membrane coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray with a temperature resistance up to 800 °C while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under an argon atmosphere. This forms a firmly adhering, silvery-shiny aluminum coating that is impervious to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The electrical resistance is in the low range, e.g., 1 ohm. Example 2b - Aluminum-II layer on a porous SiC-based membrane tube with a SiC membrane after RF pretreatment

[0108] To apply an aluminum coating, the surface to be metallized of a porous SiC membrane support tube with an inner SiC membrane coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is treated with concentrated hydrofluoric acid (38%) for 2 hours at room temperature. After rinsing and drying, the support is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is masked. Then, while rotating the tube (130 rpm around its longitudinal axis), it is sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray that has a temperature resistance up to 800 °C. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under an argon atmosphere. This forms a firmly adhering, silvery-white aluminum coating that is impervious to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The electrical resistance is in the low range, for example, 3 ohms.

[0109] Example 2c - Aluminium-II layer on a porous SiC-based membrane tube with SiC membrane

[0110] To apply an aluminum coating, the surface to be metallized of a porous SiC membrane support tube with an inner SiC membrane coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is treated with Pyrosil® for 20 seconds. The support is then clamped in a rotating fixture, and the area not to be metallized is masked. Subsequently, while rotating (130 rpm around the longitudinal axis of the tube), it is sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray that is temperature resistant up to 800 °C. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under an argon atmosphere. This results in a firmly adhering, silvery-white aluminum coating that is impervious to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The electrical resistance is in the low range, for example, 150 ohms.

[0111] Example 3 - Aluminum-11 on a porous aluminum oxide-based membrane tube with a gamma-AhOa membrane. To apply an aluminum coating, a porous aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a gamma-A^Ch membrane inner coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. Then, while rotating (130 rpm around the longitudinal axis of the tube), it is sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray with a temperature resistance up to 800 °C. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 400 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. A firmly adhering, silvery-shiny aluminum coating forms, which is impermeable to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The coating acts as an insulator.

[0112] Example 3a - Aluminium-II on a porous aluminium oxide-based membrane tube with ZrO2 membrane

[0113] To apply an aluminum coating, a porous aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a ZrCh membrane lining (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray that is temperature resistant up to 800 °C, while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 400 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. This forms a firmly adhering, silvery-white aluminum coating that is impermeable to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The coating acts as an insulator.

[0114] Example 3b - Aluminium-II on a porous aluminium oxide-based membrane tube with AhOs membrane

[0115] To apply an aluminum coating, a porous aluminum oxide membrane support tube with an A^Ch membrane inner coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray with a temperature resistance up to 800 °C while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 400 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. This forms a firmly adhering, silvery-white aluminum coating that is impermeable to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The coating acts as an insulator.

[0116] Example 3c - Aluminium-II on a porous aluminium oxide-based membrane tube with TiO2 membrane

[0117] To apply an aluminum coating, a porous aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a TiCh membrane inner coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray with a temperature resistance up to 800 °C while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 400 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. This forms a firmly adhering, silvery-white aluminum coating that is impermeable to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The coating acts as an insulator.

[0118] Example 4 - Aluminum-11 on a porous aluminum oxide-based membrane tube with y-AhOa membrane

[0119] To apply an aluminum coating, a porous aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a gamma-A^Oa membrane inner coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotary jig, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray with a temperature resistance up to 800 °C while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. This results in a firmly adhering, silvery-white aluminum coating that is impervious to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The electrical resistance is in the low range, for example, 0.2 ohms.

[0120] Example 5 - Aluminum-11 on a porous aluminum oxide-based membrane disk with y-AhOa membrane

[0121] To apply an aluminum coating, a porous aluminum oxide membrane disc with a gamma-A^Oa membrane coating is sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray that is temperature resistant up to 800 °C. After drying, the membrane substrate is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. This forms a firmly adhering, silvery-white aluminum coating that is impervious to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The electrical resistance is in the low range, for example, 20 ohms.

[0122] Example 6 - Aluminium-II / copper layer on a porous SiC-based membrane tube with SiC membrane

[0123] To apply an aluminum coating, a porous SiC membrane support tube with an inner SiC membrane coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray with a temperature resistance of up to 800 °C while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. The procedure is then repeated with a copper spray. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. This results in the formation of a firmly adhering, dense, dark-colored coating.

[0124] Example 7 - Aluminium-II / Aluminium-II layer on a porous SiC-based membrane tube with SiC membrane

[0125] To apply an aluminum coating, a porous SiC membrane support tube with an inner SiC membrane coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray that is temperature resistant up to 800 °C while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After a 10-minute drying period, the procedure is repeated. Following drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. This results in a firmly adhering aluminum coating that is impervious to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The electrical resistance is in the low range, for example, 0.2 ohms.

[0126] Example 8 - Aluminium-II / copper coating on a porous AhOs-based membrane tube with y-AhOa membrane

[0127] To apply an aluminum coating, a porous aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a gamma-A^Oa membrane inner coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray with a temperature resistance up to 800 °C while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. After cooling, it is again sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with a copper spray while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is again heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. This results in a firmly adhering, copper-colored coating that is impermeable to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The electrical resistance is in the low-resistance range, e.g. 2 ohms.

[0128] Example 9 - Aluminium-II / Aluminium-II coating on a porous AhOa-based membrane tube with y-AhOa membrane

[0129] To apply an aluminum coating, a porous aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a gamma-A^Oa membrane inner coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray with a temperature resistance up to 800 °C while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. After cooling, it is again sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with the same aluminum spray while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is again heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. This process forms a firmly adhering aluminum coating that is impervious to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The electrical resistance is in the low-resistance range, e.g. 0.5 ohms.

[0130] Example 10 - Copper on a porous AhOa-based membrane tube with a γ-AhOa membrane. To apply a copper coating, a porous aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a gamma-A^Ch membrane inner coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed with a copper spray five times for approximately 1 second each while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. After cooling, it is sprayed again with the same copper spray five times for approximately 1 second each while rotating. After drying, the membrane support is again heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. A reddish-brown copper coating forms. The electrical resistance is in the high range.

[0131] Example 11 - Applying an aluminum lacquer to a porous Al2O3-- based membrane tube with y-AhOs membrane

[0132] To apply an aluminum coating, a porous aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a gamma-A^Ch membrane inner coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then coated with an aluminum lacquer with a temperature resistance of up to 800 °C while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour. This forms a firmly adhering aluminum coating that is impermeable to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The electrical resistance is in the low range, for example, 100 ohms.

[0133] Example 12 - Applying an aluminum lacquer to a porous SiC-based membrane tube without a membrane

[0134] To apply an aluminum coating, a porous SiC membrane support tube (105 mm long, 10 mm diameter) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is masked. The tube is then rotated (130 rpm around its longitudinal axis) and coated with an aluminum lacquer with a temperature resistance up to 800 °C using a fine brush. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for one hour under nitrogen. This results in a firmly adhering aluminum coating that is impermeable to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The electrical resistance is in the low range, for example, 80 ohms.

[0135] Example 13 - Zinc on a porous aluminum oxide-based membrane tube with y-AhOa membrane

[0136] To apply an aluminum coating, a porous aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a gamma-A Oä membrane inner coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed with a zinc spray with a temperature resistance of up to five times for approximately 1 second each while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour. A firmly adhering gray zinc coating forms. The electrical resistance is in the low range, e.g., 70 ohms.

[0137] Example 14 - Aluminium-II / Nickel on a porous aluminium oxide-based membrane tube with y-AhOa membrane

[0138] To apply an aluminum-nickel coating, a porous aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a gamma-AbOa membrane lining (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray with a temperature resistance up to 800 °C while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. This forms a firmly adhering, silvery-white aluminum coating that is impervious to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The electrical resistance is in the low range, for example, 0.5 ohms. The aluminum coating is then immersed in a chemical nickel plating bath. For example, 35 ml water, 3 g NiCb, 300 mg sodium citrate, 3.5 g hypophosphite are nickel-plated for 2 hours at 80–90 °C. A firmly adhering nickel-colored coating forms.The electrical resistance is in the low resistance range, e.g., 3 ohms. Example 15 - Copper-nickel layer on a porous SiC-based membrane tube with a SiC membrane.

[0139] To apply a copper coating, a porous SiC membrane support tube with an inner SiC membrane coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with a copper spray with a temperature resistance up to 800 °C while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. A firmly adhering, dense, dark-colored coating forms. The electrical resistance is in the high range. The aluminum coating is then electroplated in a nickel plating bath consisting of, for example, 35 ml water, 3 g NiCb, 300 mg sodium citrate, and 3.5 g hypophosphite for 2 hours at 80–90 °C. A firmly adhering dark coating forms. The electrical resistance is in the high-impedance range, e.g. 500 kOhm.

[0140] Example 16 - Zn / Aluminium-Il / Zn coating on a porous AhOs-based membrane tube with y-AhOa membrane

[0141] To apply the coating, a porous aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a gamma-AbOa membrane inner coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is masked. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with a zinc spray while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After air drying, the membrane support is sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray (800 °C) while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After air drying, it is again sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with a zinc spray while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. A firmly adhering zinc-gray coating forms. The electrical resistance is in the low range, e.g., 50 ohms.

[0142] Example 17 - Applying a copper lacquer to a porous SiC-based membrane tube without a membrane. To apply a copper coating, a porous SiC membrane support tube (105 mm long, 10 mm diameter) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. Then, while rotating the tube (130 rpm around its longitudinal axis), a copper particle-containing suspension is applied using a fine brush. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under nitrogen. A firmly adhering, copper-colored coating forms. The electrical resistance is in the high range.

[0143] Example 18 - Applying a copper lacquer to a porous AhOa-based membrane tube with a y-AhOa membrane

[0144] To apply the copper coating, a porous aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a gamma-AbC membrane inner coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then coated with a copper particle-containing suspension while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under nitrogen. A firmly adhering, copper-colored coating forms. The electrical resistance is in the high range.

[0145] Example 19 - Production of a copper layer on a porous SiC-based membrane tube without a membrane

[0146] To apply a copper coating, a porous SiC membrane support tube (105 mm long, 10 mm diameter) is immersed in a copper particle-containing suspension in volatile hydrocarbons. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under nitrogen. A firmly adhering, copper-colored coating forms. The electrical resistance is in the high range.

[0147] Example 20 - Production of a copper layer on a porous A Oa-based membrane tube with y-AhOa membrane

[0148] To apply the copper coating, a porous aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a gamma-AbOa membrane lining (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is immersed in a copper particle-containing suspension in volatile hydrocarbons. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under nitrogen. A firmly adhering, copper-colored coating forms. The electrical resistance is in the high range.

[0149] Example 21 - Aluminium-II / copper coating on a porous AfeOa-based membrane tube with y-AhOa membrane

[0150] To apply an aluminum-copper coating, a porous aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a gamma-A^Oa membrane lining (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray with a temperature resistance up to 800 °C while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. This forms a firmly adhering, silvery-shiny aluminum coating that is impervious to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The electrical resistance is in the low range, for example, 0.3 ohms. The aluminum coating is then immersed in a copper particle-containing suspension in volatile hydrocarbons. After drying, the membrane support is heated under nitrogen at 600 °C for 1 hour.A firmly adhering copper-colored coating forms. The electrical resistance is in the high resistance range.

[0151] Example 22 - Zinc / nickel on a porous AhOa-based membrane tube with y-AhOa membrane

[0152] To apply a zinc-nickel coating, a porous aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a gamma-A^Oa membrane inner coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with a zinc spray with a temperature resistance up to 800 °C while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. A firmly adhering gray coating forms. The electrical resistance is in the low range, e.g., 50 ohms. The zinc coating is then immersed in a chemical nickel plating bath. For example, 35 ml water, 3 g NiCl₂, 300 mg sodium citrate, 30 mg boric acid, 2 g hypophosphite are nickel-plated for 2 hours at 80–90 °C. After an initial blackening, a firmly adhering nickel-colored coating forms. The electrical resistance is in the low resistance range, e.g., 15 ohms.

[0153] Example 23 - Aluminium-II / Nickel on a porous SiC-based membrane tube with SiC membrane

[0154] To apply an aluminum-nickel coating, a porous SiC membrane support tube with a nanoporous SiC membrane lining (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray with a temperature resistance up to 800 °C while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. This forms a firmly adhering, silvery-white aluminum coating that is impervious to liquids such as water, ethanol, acetone, and n-heptane. The electrical resistance is in the low range, for example, 0.5 ohms. The aluminum coating is then immersed in a chemical nickel plating bath. For example, 35 ml water, 3 g NiÜ2, 300 mg sodium citrate, 30 mg boric acid, 2 g hypophosphite are nickel-plated for 2 hours at 80–90 °C. A firmly adhering nickel-colored coating forms.The electrical resistance is in the low-resistance range, e.g. 3 ohms.

[0155] Example 24 - Zn / Aluminium-II coating on a porous SiC-based membrane tube with SiC membrane

[0156] To apply the coating, a porous SiC membrane support tube with a nanoporous SiC membrane inner coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is covered. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with a zinc spray while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After air drying, the membrane support is sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray (800 °C) while rotating. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. A firmly adhering, solvent-tight, silvery-shiny coating forms. The electrical resistance is in the low range, e.g., 10 ohms.

[0157] Example 25 - Aluminium-II / Zn / Aluminium-II coating on a porous SiC-based membrane tube with SiC membrane

[0158] To apply the coating, a porous SiC membrane support tube with a nanoporous SiC membrane inner coating (length 105 mm, diameter 10 mm) is clamped in a rotating device, and the area not to be metallized is masked. The tube is then sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with an aluminum spray (800 °C) while rotating at 130 rpm around its longitudinal axis. After air drying, the membrane support is sprayed five times for approximately 1 second each with a zinc spray while rotating. After air drying, it is sprayed again five times for approximately 1 second each with the same aluminum spray while rotating. After drying, the membrane support is heated to 600 °C for 1 hour under a nitrogen atmosphere. A firmly adhering, solvent-tight, silvery-shiny coating forms. The electrical resistance is in the low range, e.g., 10 Ω.

[0159] Example 26 - Aluminium-II / Nickel / Nickel on a porous AbOa-based membrane tube with y-AhOa membrane

[0160] To deposit a galvanic nickel layer onto an aluminum-electroless nickel plating, an aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a γ-AbOa membrane from Example 14 is contacted at the metallized layer and placed as the cathode in a galvanic bath consisting of, for example, 20 g NiSO4·6H2O, 2 g NiC·6H2O, and 2 g boric acid. The current is then set to 0.1 A. A firmly adhering, silvery-white nickel layer forms within a few minutes. The electrical resistance is in the low range of <0.2 ohms.

[0161] Example 27 - Zinc / Nickel / Nickel on a porous AbOa-based membrane tube with y-AhOa membrane. To apply an electroplated nickel layer to a zinc-nickel plating, an aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a y-AbCh membrane from Example 22 is contacted at the metallized layer and placed as the cathode in an electroplating bath consisting of, for example, 20 g NiSO4*6H2O, 2 g NiCb*6l-bO, and 2 g boric acid. The current is then set to 0.1 A. A firmly adhering, silvery-white nickel layer forms within a few minutes. The electrical resistance is in the low range of <0.2 ohms.

[0162] Example 28 - Copper / nickel (galvanized) on a porous SiC-based membrane tube without a membrane

[0163] To apply a galvanic nickel layer to a copper coating, a silicon carbide (SiC) membrane carrier tube is coated with fine copper particles. The electrically conductive SiC is then contacted and placed as the cathode in an electroplating bath consisting of, for example, 20 g of NiSO4·6H2O, 2 g of NiCb·6l-bO, and 2 g of boric acid. The current is then set to 0.1 A. A firmly adhering, silvery-white nickel layer forms within a few minutes. The electrical resistance is in the low range of <0.2 ohms.

[0164] Example 29 - Sn solder on a porous Zn / Ni / Ni-coated Al2O3 membrane tube with y-AhOa membrane

[0165] To apply a tin solder (99.5% Sn and 0.5% Cu), the metallized end of a membrane support tube made of Al₂O₃ with a yAl₂O₃ membrane from Example 27 is coated with flux (rosin) and immersed in the liquid tin solder bath at 340 °C. After 3 s, the membrane tube is removed from the metal bath, revealing a silvery-white layer of solder. The electrical resistance is in the low range of <0.2 ohms.

[0166] Example 30 - Sn solder on a porous AI / Ni / Ni-coated AbOs-based membrane tube with y-AhOa membrane

[0167] To apply a tin solder (99.5% Sn and 0.5% Cu), the metallized end of an aluminum oxide membrane support tube with a y-AbOs membrane from Example 26 is coated with flux (rosin) and immersed in the liquid tin solder bath at 340 °C. After 3 s, the membrane tube is removed from the metal bath, revealing a silvery-white layer of solder. The electrical resistance is in the low range of <0.2 ohms.

[0168] Example 31 - Ni-coated SiC-based membrane tube without membrane

[0169] To deposit a galvanic nickel layer onto a SiC membrane support tube, the electrically conductive SiC is contacted and placed as the cathode in a galvanic bath consisting of, for example, 20 g NiSO4·6H2O, 2 g NiCl2·6H2O, and 2 g boric acid. The current is then set to 0.1 A. Within a few minutes, a firmly adhering, silvery-white, liquid-tight nickel layer forms. The electrical resistance is in the low range of <0.2 ohms.

[0170] Example 32 - Pd-coated SiC-based membrane tube without membrane

[0171] To deposit a palladium electroplated layer onto a SiC membrane support tube, the electrically conductive SiC is contacted and placed as the cathode in an electroplating bath consisting of, for example, 0.5 g of PdÜ2, 10 g of (Nl-hSO₄), and 10 ml of ammonia in water (total volume 100 ml, pH = 10⁻¹¹, T = 50 °C). The current is then set to 0.1 A. A firmly adhering palladium layer forms within a few minutes. The electrical resistance is in the low range of <0.2 ohms.

[0172] Example 33 - Ni-Pd-coated SiC-based membrane tube without membrane

[0173] To deposit a palladium layer onto a nickel intermediate layer on a SiC membrane support tube, the electrically conductive SiC is contacted and placed as the cathode in an electroplating bath consisting of, for example, 20 g NiSO4·6H2O, 2 g NiCl2·6H2O, and 2 g boric acid. The current is then set to 0.1 A. A firmly adhering, silvery-white, liquid-tight nickel layer forms within a few minutes. The membrane support tube is rinsed with water and, to deposit a palladium layer, is placed as the cathode in an electroplating bath consisting of, for example, 0.5 g PdÜ2, 10 g (NH4)2SO4, and 10 ml ammonia in water (total volume 100 ml, pH 10-11). The current is then set to 0.1 A. A firmly adhering, shiny palladium layer forms within a few minutes. The electrical resistance is in the low-resistance range of <0.2 ohms.

[0174] Example 34 - Attaching a metal connector to a ceramic AhOs-based support with a y-AhOs membrane

[0175] To mechanically connect a ceramic tube to a metal object, a membrane tube from Example 26 is soldered to a brass hose barb using a tin solder (99.5% Sn and 0.5% Cu) at 360 °C. After the solder cools, a highly stable mechanical connection is obtained between the ceramic and the brass barb.

[0176] Example 35 - Membrane heating

[0177] The SiC membrane tube (1.5 cm on each side), nickel-plated on both sides according to Example 31, has a total length of 105 mm and is connected to a voltage source of, for example, 12-24 V. Depending on the voltage, the heating time, and the thermal insulation, the membrane tube heats up to, for example, > 200 °C.

[0178] Example 36 - Attaching a metal connector to a ceramic SiC-based support without a membrane

[0179] To mechanically connect a SiC ceramic tube to a metal object, a membrane tube from Example 31 is soldered to a copper tube using tin solder (99.5% Sn and 0.5% Cu) at 400 °C. After cooling the solder, a mechanically highly stable connection is obtained between the SiC ceramic and the copper tube.

[0180] Example 37 - Ni-coated SiC-based membrane tube without membrane

[0181] To deposit a thin nickel layer as a nucleation layer for electroless nickel plating onto a SiC membrane carrier tube, the electrically conductive SiC is contacted and placed as the cathode in an electroplating bath consisting of, for example, 20 g NiSO4·6H2O, 2 g NiCl2·6H2O, and 2 g boric acid. The current is then set to 0.1 A. After 5 minutes, the membrane carrier tube is rinsed with water and treated for 2 hours at 80–90 °C in a bath consisting of, for example, 35 ml water, 3 g NiCb, 300 mg sodium citrate, 30 mg boric acid, and 2 g hypophosphite to deposit an electroless nickel layer. Electroplating is then repeated under the same conditions. A firmly adhering, shiny nickel layer forms within a few minutes. The electrical resistance is in the low range of <0.2 ohms. (Reference symbol list)

[0182] 1: Membrane carrier;

[0183] 2: Separation area;

[0184] 3: additional surface; 4: layer containing or consisting of a metal;

[0185] 5: Membrane.

Claims

1. Fraunhofer Society...eV P149665PC00 Patent claims 1. Method for applying a layer containing or consisting of metal to a membrane support, comprising or consisting of the following steps: a) providing a planar, porous membrane support containing or consisting of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramics, glass, metal and combinations thereof, wherein the membrane support - is designed planarly and surfaces of the membrane support that extend perpendicular to a planar surface of the membrane support constitute a separation surface; or - is cylindrically designed and surfaces of the membrane support which form the base and / or top surface of the cylinder of the membrane support constitute a deposition surface; b) application of a layer containing or consisting of metal to the deposition surface and to another surface of the membrane support which contacts the deposition surface - the application of a dispersion containing metal particles and a gas and / or a liquid, or - an electrochemical deposition, if the deposition surface and the other surface are electrically conductive.

2. A method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in step a) at least one planar, porous membrane is applied to the membrane support, the membrane containing or consisting of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramics, glass, carbon and its modifications, metal, metal-organic networks and combinations thereof, wherein, in addition to the membrane support, the at least one membrane - is designed to be planar and the separation surface also includes surfaces of the at least one membrane that extend perpendicular to a planar surface of the membrane, or - is cylindrically designed and the deposition surface also includes surfaces of the at least one membrane which form the base surface and / or top surface of the cylinder of the membrane; wherein the layer in step b) is preferably also applied to a further surface of the at least one membrane which contacts the deposition surface.

3. A method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one membrane i) contacts the membrane support; and / or ii) contains or consists of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramic, glass, carbon and its modifications, metal, metal-organic network and combinations thereof, wherein the metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of the precious metals, more preferably from the group consisting of platinum, rhodium, palladium and alloys thereof, wherein the membrane preferably contains or consists of a ceramic, wherein the ceramic is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of SiC, SiN, SiCN, Al₂O₃, TiC₂, ZrÜ₂, SiO₂, HfCh, zeolite and combinations thereof; and / or iii) has a thickness in the range of 0.1 nm to 1000 pm, more preferably 1 nm to 100 pm, more preferably 5 nm to 10 pm, more preferably 10 nm to 1 pm.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the membrane support i) contains or consists of a ceramic which is preferably selected from the group consisting of carbide ceramic, nitride ceramic, oxide ceramic and combinations thereof, wherein the ceramic is in particular selected from the group consisting of SiC, SiN, Al2O3, TiCh, ZrCh, HfCh, SiCh and combinations thereof; and / or ii) contains or consists of a metal which is preferably selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, brass, silver and combinations thereof; and / or iii) contains or consists of a glass which is preferably selected from the group consisting of silicate glass, borosilicate glass, Vycor, quartz glass, glass sealant, glass-ceramic sealant and combinations thereof; and / or iv) has a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 5 mm; and / or v) contains or consists of at least two, optionally more than two, layers with different porosities.

5. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the membrane carrier is cylindrical and has n continuous channels in an interior space which extend along the cylinder axis and are formed by the membrane carrier, wherein n is an integer, wherein i) at least one membrane is arranged in at least one of the n channels and contacts the membrane carrier there, preferably wherein a membrane is arranged in each of the n channels, each of which contacts the membrane carrier there; or ii) no membrane is arranged in at least one of the n channels, preferably wherein no membrane is arranged in any of the n channels.

6. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispersion is an aerosol containing or consisting of the metal particles and a gas, wherein preferably i) the gas is selected from the group consisting of gaseous Hydrocarbons, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, noble gas, air and Combinations thereof, wherein the gaseous hydrocarbon is preferably selected from the group consisting of propane, butane isomers and mixtures thereof; and / or ii) the aerosol is applied via metal spraying, preferably via cold gas spraying, flame spraying and / or plasma spraying.

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the dispersion is a suspension containing or consisting of the metal particles and a liquid, wherein preferably i) the liquid is selected from the group consisting of Water, at least one organic solvent and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one organic solvent is preferably selected from the group consisting of linear or branched, aliphatic or cyclic hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, saturated esters, unsaturated esters, methyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, n- Butyl methacrylate, Cs-Ci4 alkane, and combinations thereof; and / or ii) the liquid is evaporated after application of the dispersion, optionally by heating the layer; and / or iii) the suspension further comprises at least one binder, wherein the at least one binder preferably comprises a water-insoluble polymer, wherein the at least one water-insoluble polymer is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon resins, wherein the hydrocarbon resins are particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of petroleum resins, terpene resins, coumaron-indene resins, and xylene-formaldehyde resins; and / or comprises or consists of a water-soluble polymer; and / or comprises or consists of a saturated or unsaturated Ci2-C2o fatty acid; and / or comprises a polymerizable compound, wherein the polymerizable compound is preferably selected from the group consisting of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, wherein the at least one unsaturated compound is particularly preferably maleic anhydride or itaconic anhydride; and / or iv) the suspension is applied by a process selected from the group consisting of dipping processes, brushing processes, gas spraying processes, electrospraying processes, spin coating, flooding and combinations thereof, wherein the brushing process preferably comprises or consists of application with a brush and / or a roller, and / or the spraying process preferably comprises or consists of spraying with at least one gas, wherein the at least one gas is particularly selected from the group consisting of air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, gaseous hydrocarbons, noble gases and combinations thereof.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Meta II parts i) contain or consist of a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminium, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, bismuth, nickel, cobalt, titanium, lead, precious metals and combinations and alloys thereof; and / or ii) have a shape selected from the group consisting of spherical shape and non-spherical shape, wherein the non-spherical shape is preferably selected from the group consisting of plate-shaped shape, rod-shaped shape, flake-shaped shape and combinations thereof; and / or iii) have a maximum extent in all spatial directions in the range of 1 nm to 1000 pm, preferably in the range of 10 nm to 500 pm, particularly preferably in the range of 100 nm to 150 pm, most preferably in the range of 0.5 pm to 80 pm.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further area which the The separation surface is contacted and extends a maximum of 20 cm, in particular a maximum of 2 cm, away from the separation surface of the arrangement.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method according to step b) comprises heating areas of the membrane support onto which the dispersion has been applied, wherein preferably i) said areas are heated to a temperature in the range of > 25 °C, preferably > 150 °C, particularly preferably in the range of 200 °C to 1600 °C; and / or ii) the heating is carried out in a protective gas atmosphere, wherein the protective gas is preferably selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, noble gas and combinations thereof; and / or iii) the heating is carried out to a temperature at which the metal particles bond, wherein the heating is preferably carried out to a temperature at which the metal particles sinter or fuse;and / or iv) after heating, step b) is carried out again and then the heating is carried out again, this procedure preferably being repeated n times, where n is an integer, the repetition being particularly preferably carried out until a layer of the desired thickness is produced.; 11. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method according to step b) i) comprises applying a liquid metal to the areas onto which the layer in step b) was applied, wherein the liquid metal is optionally different from the metal that the metal particles contain or from which they consist, wherein the liquid metal is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of tin, zinc, copper, bismuth, silver, lead and combinations thereof; and / or (ii) comprising applying a further layer containing or consisting of a further metal to the areas onto which the layer was applied in step (b) by means of an electrochemical process, wherein the further metal is optionally different from the metal containing or consisting of the metal particles, wherein the further metal is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of nickel, chromium, copper, cadmium, tin, aluminium and precious metals such as silver, palladium, gold, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and combinations thereof;and / or iii) comprising the application of a further layer containing or consisting of a further metal to the areas onto which the layer was applied in step b) by electroless deposition, wherein the further metal is optionally different from the metal containing or consisting of the metal particles, wherein the further metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of copper, palladium, electroless nickel, tin, platinum, gold and combinations thereof, wherein the electroless nickel particularly preferably contains at least one substance selected from the group consisting of phosphorus, selenium, metal, carbide, oxide, nitride, PTFE, graphite and combinations thereof.

12. Apparatus for applying a layer containing or consisting of metal to a membrane support, comprising or consisting of: a) a planar, porous membrane support comprising or consisting of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramic, glass, metal and combinations thereof, wherein the membrane support - is designed planarly and surfaces of the membrane support that extend perpendicular to a planar surface of the membrane support constitute a separation surface; or - is cylindrically designed and surfaces of the membrane carrier which form the base and / or top surface of the cylinder of the membrane support, forming a deposition surface; b) a device for applying a dispersion, and a dispersion containing metals and a gas and / or a liquid, and / or a device for electrochemical deposition; and c) a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to form a layer containing or consisting of a metal, - to cause the device for applying the dispersion to apply the dispersion, which contains metal particles and a gas and / or a liquid, to the deposition surface and to apply it to another surface of the membrane carrier which contacts the deposition surface, or - to cause the electrochemical deposition device to deposit a layer containing or consisting of metal onto the deposition surface and onto another surface of the membrane support which contacts the deposition surface, if the deposition surface and the other surface are electrically conductive.

13. System according to claim 12, characterized in that the system, in addition to the membrane support, comprises at least one planar, porous membrane which is applied to the membrane support and which comprises or consists of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramic, glass, carbon and its modifications, metal, metal-organic network and combinations thereof, wherein, in addition to the membrane support, the at least one membrane is also planar and the deposition surface also comprises surfaces of the at least one membrane which extend perpendicular to a planar surface of the membrane; or is cylindrically designed and the deposition surface also includes surfaces of the at least one membrane which form the base surface and / or top surface of the cylinder of the membrane; wherein the control unit is preferably configured to also apply the layer to another surface of the at least one membrane which contacts the deposition surface.

14. System according to claim 13, characterized in that the membrane i) contacts the membrane support; and / or ii) contains or consists of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramic, glass, carbon and its modifications, metal, metal-organic network and combinations thereof, wherein the metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of the precious metals, more preferably from the group consisting of platinum, rhodium, palladium and alloys thereof, wherein the membrane preferably contains or consists of a ceramic, wherein the ceramic is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of SiC, SiN, SiCN, Al₂O₃, TiC₂, ZrÜ₂, SiO₂, HfCh, zeolite, MOF and combinations thereof; and / or iii) has a thickness in the range of 0.1 nm to 1000 pm, more preferably 1 nm to 100 pm, more preferably 5 nm to 10 pm, more preferably 10 nm to 1 pm.

15. System according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the membrane support i) contains or consists of a ceramic preferably selected from the group consisting of carbide ceramic, nitride ceramic, oxide ceramic and combinations thereof, wherein the ceramic is particularly selected from the group consisting of SiC, SiN, Al₂O₃, TiCh, ZrCh, HfCh, SiCh and combinations thereof; and / or ii) contains or consists of a metal, preferably selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, brass, silver and combinations thereof; and / or iii) contains or consists of a glass, preferably selected from the group consisting of silicate glass, borosilicate glass, Vycor, quartz glass, glass sealant, glass-ceramic sealant and combinations thereof; and / or iv) has a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 5 mm; and / or v) contains or consists of at least two, optionally more than two, layers with different porosities.

16. System according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the membrane carrier is cylindrical and has n continuous channels in an interior space which extend along the cylinder axis and are formed by the membrane carrier, wherein n is an integer, wherein i) at least one membrane is arranged in at least one of the n channels and contacts the membrane carrier there, preferably wherein a membrane is arranged in each of the n channels, each of which contacts the membrane carrier there; or ii) no membrane is arranged in at least one of the n channels, preferably wherein no membrane is arranged in any of the n channels.

17. Plant according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the dispersion is an aerosol containing or consisting of the metal particles and a gas, wherein preferably i) the gas is selected from the group consisting of gaseous hydrocarbons, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, noble gas, air and combinations thereof, wherein the gaseous hydrocarbon is preferably selected from the group consisting of propane, butane isomers and mixtures thereof; and / or ii) the control unit is configured to cause the device to apply the aerosol via metal spraying, preferably via cold gas spraying, flame spraying and / or plasma spraying.

18. System according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the dispersion is a suspension containing or consisting of the metal particles and a liquid, wherein preferably i) the liquid is selected from the group consisting of water, at least one organic solvent and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one organic solvent is preferably selected from the group consisting of linear or branched, aliphatic or cyclic hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, saturated esters (ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate), unsaturated esters, methyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, C5-C14 alkanes, and combinations thereof; and / or ii) the control unit is configured to cause the system to evaporate the liquid after the dispersion has been applied, optionally by causing a heating device of the system to heat the layer;and / or iii) the suspension further comprises at least one binder, wherein the at least one binder preferably comprises a water-insoluble polymer, wherein the at least one water-insoluble polymer is particularly selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon resins, wherein the hydrocarbon resins are particularly selected from the group consisting of petroleum resins, terpene resins, coumaron-indene resins and xylene-formaldehyde resins; and / or contains or consists of a water-soluble polymer; and / or contains or consists of a saturated or unsaturated Ci2-C2o fatty acid; and / or contains a polymerizable compound, wherein the polymerizable compound is preferably selected from the group consisting of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, wherein the; at least one unsaturated compound is particularly preferably maleic anhydride or itaconic anhydride; and / or iv) the control unit is configured to cause the device to apply the suspension by a method selected from the group consisting of immersion methods, brushing methods, gas spraying methods, electrospraying methods, spin coating, flooding and combinations thereof, wherein the device for the brushing method preferably comprises a brush and / or a roller, and / or the device for the spraying method preferably comprises a gas source, wherein the gas of the source is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, gaseous hydrocarbons, noble gases and combinations thereof.

19. Plant according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that the metal articles i) contain or consist of a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminium, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, bismuth, nickel, cobalt, titanium, lead, precious metals and combinations and alloys thereof; and / or ii) have a shape selected from the group consisting of spherical shape and non-spherical shape, wherein the non-spherical shape is preferably selected from the group consisting of plate-shaped shape, rod-shaped shape, flake-shaped shape and combinations thereof; and / or iii) have a maximum extent in all spatial directions in the range of 1 nm to 1000 pm, preferably in the range of 10 nm to 500 pm, particularly preferably in the range of 100 nm to 150 pm, most preferably in the range of 0.5 pm to 80 pm.

20. System according to one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that the further surface which contacts the separation surface extends a maximum of 20 cm, in particular a maximum of 2 cm, away from the separation surface of the arrangement.

21. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that the system includes a heating device and the control unit is configured to cause the heating device, after the dispersion has been applied, to heat areas of the arrangement onto which the dispersion has been applied, wherein preferably i) the control unit is configured to cause said areas to be heated by the heating device to a temperature in the range of >25 °C, preferably >150 °C, particularly preferably in the range of 200 °C to 1600 °C; and / or ii) the system includes a protective gas source and the control unit is configured to cause the system to carry out the heating in a protective gas atmosphere, wherein the protective gas of the protective gas source is preferably selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, noble gases and combinations thereof;and / or iii) the control unit is configured to cause the heating to be carried out to a temperature at which the metal particles bond, wherein the control unit is preferably configured to cause the heating to be carried out to a temperature at which the metal particles sinter or fuse; and / or iv) the control unit is configured to cause the dispersion of the system to be reapplied to the deposition surface and to the further surface of the membrane support after heating, and then the heating to be carried out again, wherein the control unit is preferably configured to repeat this procedure n times, where n is an integer, particularly preferably until a layer of a desired thickness is produced.

22. System according to one of claims 12 to 21, characterized in that the system further comprises (i) has a source of a liquid metal and the control unit is configured to cause the plant to apply the liquid metal to the areas on which the layer has been applied, wherein the liquid metal is optionally different from the metal which the metal particles contain or of which they are composed, wherein the liquid metal is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of tin, zinc, copper, bismuth, silver, lead and combinations thereof;and / or ii) includes an, optionally second, electrochemical deposition device and the control unit is configured to cause the, optionally second, electrochemical deposition device of the system to deposit, by electrochemical deposition, a further layer containing or consisting of a further metal onto the areas onto which the layer has been deposited, wherein the further metal is optionally different from the metal containing or consisting of the metal particles, wherein the further metal is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of nickel, chromium, copper, cadmium, tin, aluminium and precious metals such as silver, palladium, gold, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and combinations thereof;and / or iii) has a device for electroless deposition and the control unit is configured to cause the device for electroless deposition to deposit, by electroless deposition, a further layer containing or consisting of a further metal onto the areas to which the layer has been deposited, wherein the further metal is optionally different from the metal containing or consisting of the metal particles, wherein the further metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of copper, palladium, electroless nickel, tin, platinum, gold and combinations thereof, wherein the electroless nickel particularly preferably contains at least one substance selected from the group consisting of phosphorus, selenium,; Metal, carbide, oxide, nitride, PTFE, graphite and combinations thereof.

23. A planar porous membrane support comprising or consisting of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramics, glass, metals and combinations thereof, wherein the membrane support is planar and surfaces of the membrane support extending perpendicular to a planar surface of the membrane support constitute a deposition surface; or is cylindrical and surfaces of the membrane support forming the base and / or top surface of the cylinder of the membrane support constitute a deposition surface; characterized in that a layer comprising or consisting of a metal is applied to the deposition surface and to a further surface of the membrane support contacting the deposition surface, wherein the layer is liquid-tight, preferably impermeable with respect to all gases except hydrogen and its isotopes.

24. Membrane support according to claim 23, further comprising at least one planar, porous membrane arranged on the membrane support and comprising or consisting of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramic, glass, metal, carbon and its modifications, metal-organic network and combinations thereof, wherein, in addition to the membrane support, the at least one membrane is also designed to be planar and the deposition surface also comprises surfaces of the at least one membrane extending perpendicular to a planar surface of the membrane, or is designed to be cylindrical and the deposition surface also comprises surfaces of the at least one membrane which form the base surface and / or top surface of the cylinder of the membrane; characterized in that a layer containing or consisting of a metal is applied to the deposition surface and to a further surface of the membrane which contacts the deposition surface, wherein the layer is liquid-tight, preferably tight with respect to all gases except hydrogen and its isotopes.

25. Membrane support according to one of claims 23 or 24, characterized in that the layer has an electrical resistance of a maximum of 45 kΩ, preferably a maximum of 10 kΩ, particularly preferably a maximum of 1 kΩ.

26. Membrane carrier according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the layer is soldered to at least one metallic object, wherein the metallic object is preferably selected from the group consisting of metallic olive, metallic tube, metallic screw thread, metallic double nipple, metallic cap and combinations thereof.

27. Membrane support according to one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the membrane support is manufactured using a method according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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