A ceramic membrane for separation of water from organic solvents

Novel hydrophilic SiOx modified alumina membranes with high separation fact ors and flux rates have been prepared for the separation of water from orga nic solvents. The membranes are prepared by the deposition of SiOx networks inside the gamma -Al2O3 layer of a commercial ultrafiltration membrane by hydrolysis of tetraethylorthosilicate in autoclaves at 250 degreesC. The tr ansport resistance of the individual membrane layers to the permeation flux are described by a model. The membranes are stable towards solvents up to at least 150 degreesC. Pervaporation studies show that water can be separat ed from solvents like acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, 2-isopropanol, ethanol , dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylformamide, phenol. The separation performance of the membranes allows their use in technical separation processes, especi ally for the remove of water.