HIGH-TEMPERATURE, STEAM-SELECTIVE MEMBRANE

摘要

A high-temperature, steam-selective membrane (100) for adding steam to or removing steam from various types of chemical reactions is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such a membrane includes a polymer layer (102) exhibiting high selectivity to the transport of steam relative to other gas species. The polymer layer (102) is sandwiched between substantially rigid porous layers (104a and104b) that are steam permeable. The rigid porous layers substantially (104a and 104b) immobilize the polymer layer (102) and reduce the tendency of the polymer layer (102) to shrink and/or expand in response to changes in temperature or humidity. The rigid porous layers (104a and 104b) may also retain water to keep the polymer layer (102) moist. The physical support and moisture retention provided by the rigid porous layers (104a and 104b) enable the polymer layer (102) to operate in a temperature range of about 100°C to 500°C.