Controlling molten carbonate distribution in dual-phase molten salt-ceramic membranes to increase carbon dioxide permeation rates

Dual-phase molten salt-ceramic membranes show high permselectivity for CO2 when carbonate is supported in a porous oxygen-ion and/or electron conductor. In this arrangement, the support likely contributes to permeation. Thus, if one understand and ultimately design membranes, it also important perform experiments with an inert where permeation relies upon properties alone. Here, nominally material (Al2O3) was used order restrict carbonate. Model Al2O3 dual-phase were fabricated using laser drilling provide of magnitude difference salt-gas interfacial area between feed permeate sides. Molten thickness model varied, independent area. For all thicknesses studied, rates showed significant temperature dependence from 500 750 °C, suggesting activated process rate-limiting, permeate-side process, i.e. desorption CO2. We applied these findings asymmetric hollow-fibre supports, geometry inherent modularity scalability, by developing new infiltration method control distribution within hollow fibre. Compared conventionally prepared membrane uncontrolled carbonates, increased up 4 times salt confined packed-pore network, without infiltrating micro-channels. X-ray micro-CT investigations idea that resulting increase key structural contributing rates. separation, large volumes gas must be processed, such increases will reduce demand materials, although note higher achievable conducting supports.