ELECTROCHEMICALLY FUNCTIONAL MEMBRANES

摘要

A system includes an electrochemically functional membrane, and a support structure constructed and arranged so as to support the membrane while leaving within the membrane a chemically active area having an area utilization of at least about 50%. In some embodiments, the support structure may include a plurality of grids that are sized and shaped so that the contact area between the grids and the membrane is reduced to less than about 40%. In some embodiments, the support structure may include aerogels, for example PVA-reinforced CNT aerogels having a conductivity that is increased by pyrolysis. The system may be a gas separation system; a gas production system; a gas purification system; or an energy generation system such as an SOFC.