Tailoring the Structure of Carbon Molecular Sieves Derived from an Aromatic Polyamide

:energy-efficient and selective separation technolo-gies are required to reclaim aqueous waste streams for reuse.Carbon molecular sieves (CMS) are one material capable ofseparating organic solvent and gaseous mixtures due to thepresence of permanent, rigid, and molecular sieving pores andcould potentially be used in aqueous separations. Here, a novelCMS material is derived from an aromatic polyamide precursorwith tailored fabrication techniques. Structural characteristics ofthis CMS have been probed with various analyses and are potentially ideal for selective separations as adsorbents. Elemental analysesprovide insight about the potential chemical structures of CMS materials that result from degradation mechanisms. Gravimetricsorption data is used to estimate sorption, diffusion, and permeability selectivity with water andN,N-dimethylformamide. Whilechallenges to the development and implementation of such carbonaceous materials remain, highly selective materials are criticalstarting points for enabling ultra-challenging separation processes of the future.

Automated summary

Energy-efficient and selective separation technologies are needed for reclaiming aqueous waste streams. Carbon molecular sieves, which possess permanent, rigid, and molecular sieving pores, can be used to separate organic solvents and gaseous mixtures and have potential applications in aqueous separations.