Research progress of carbon molecular sieve membranes suitable for hydrogen separation

Abstract

In order to achieve widespread application of hydrogen in various fields, separating and purifying it from hydrogen-containing mixtures is crucial for the production of H₂. Currently, many membrane materials have been developed for separating H₂ from its mixtures. Because of its high permeability, selectivity and strong stability, the carbon molecular sieve membranes (CMSMs) have obvious advantages in the field of H₂ separation. In the present study, firstly, the preparation process of CMSMs was reviewed, and the parameters that determine the permeability and screening performance of CMSMs were analyzed, including the selection of precursors and inorganic fillers, and the determination of pyrolysis conditions. Secondly, by analyzing the transfer mechanism of gas in CMSMs, the evaluation method of H₂'s separation performance in CMSMs was determined. In addition, the effects of process operating conditions, such as pressure ratio, temperature, hydrogen mixing ratio, flow ratio, purging/evacuation and humidity, on the permeability of hydrogen separation by CMSMs were summarized. Finally, based on the summary analysis of the obtained results, a set of recommendations were put forth for the future development of CMSMs for separating hydrogen from its mixtures.