Carbon Membrane Heating Oxidation Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carbon membranes used for separating liquid mixtures in non-aqueous fields face challenges with low permeability and separability, particularly in practical applications, due to their low corrosion resistance and high sensitivity to organic solvents and acids, which limits their effectiveness in industrial processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving thermal decomposition of a carbon-containing layer in an oxygen inert atmosphere followed by a heating oxidation treatment with a gas mixture containing oxidizing gas to enhance the permeability and separability of the carbon membrane, specifically for separating alcohols with 2 or less carbon atoms from a mixture of alcohols and organic compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the carbon membrane is made thinner to improve permeability, then permeability increases, but separability deteriorates due to easy formation of defects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the gas mixture used during heating treatment, specifically using a mixture containing oxygen (3-20 vol%) and carbon dioxide (80-60 vol%) at controlled temperatures (200-400°C). This parameter optimization allows the membrane to achieve both high permeability and separability without requiring thinning that would compromise structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite treatment process combining thermal heating with specific gas mixture exposure. The carbon membrane undergoes simultaneous thermal and chemical treatment that modifies its surface properties and pore structure, achieving enhanced performance without physical thinning
2Manufacturing precision
If polymer membranes or zeolite membranes are used for separation, then separation performance is achieved, but corrosion resistance against organic solvents and acid/alkali aqueous solutions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material composition parameter by using carbon-based membranes instead of polymer or zeolite materials. The carbon structure inherently provides resistance to organic solvents and acid/alkali aqueous solutions while maintaining separation performance through controlled pore structure and surface properties achieved via heating treatment
3Productivity
If heating oxidation treatment is performed to improve permeability, then permeability increases significantly, but separability decreases due to excessive oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously: temperature (200-400°C), oxygen concentration (3-20 vol%), carbon dioxide concentration (80-60 vol%), and treatment time. This balanced parameter set allows permeability enhancement through controlled oxidation while preventing excessive oxidation that would damage the membrane structure and reduce separability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces carbon dioxide as an intermediary gas in the heating treatment atmosphere. The carbon dioxide acts as a buffer that moderates the oxidation process, allowing controlled improvement of permeability while protecting the membrane from excessive oxidation that would compromise separability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method produces a carbon membrane with improved permeability and separability, effectively separating alcohols from liquid mixtures while maintaining the membrane's integrity and performance over time, making it suitable for industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
thermally decomposing a carbon-containing layer as a precursor in an oxygen inert atmosphere to obtain a carbon membrane
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the carbon membrane to a heating oxidation treatment while sending a gas mixture containing oxidizing gas thereinto
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a carbon membrane of the present invention is a production method where a carbon membrane obtained by subjecting a carbon-containing layer to thermal decomposition in an oxygen inert atmosphere while sending a gas mixture containing an oxidizing gas thereinto is thermally heated. The carbon membrane is subjected to a heating oxidation treatment with controlling the ratio of the flow rate of the gas mixture to the areas of the carbon membrane to 0.5 cm/min. or more to control (temperature ° C.)2×time (h)/10000, which is the relation between the temperature of the gas mixture and the flow time, to 9 to 32. This enables to obtain a carbon film which selectively separates alcohols having 2 or less carbon atoms from a liquid mixture of the alcohols having 2 or less carbon atoms and organic compounds having 5 to 9 carbon atoms.