Carbon membranes for gas separation processes: Recent progress and future perspective

Carbon membrane can be produced using a wide variety of polymer precursor materials via heat treatment process. A general concept route of precursor selection-preparation-modification-performance analysis platform for the carbon membrane has been proposed to promote the development of carbon membrane material for a wide range of application. The current review considers the recent progress of carbon membrane preparation and the potential applications in gas separation and membrane reactor system. In particular, the current carbon membranes for CO2, N2, and H2 separation are reviewed, along with special emphasis to their membrane precursor materials and the technique used to improve the membrane’s performance. Issues affecting membrane performance such as the preparation method to produce supported carbon membrane are explored aligned with the future research to achieve commercially viable processes. For future perspective, carbon membranes hold significant potential and great promise for further investigation, development, and application.