Preparation of ordered mesoporous carbon membranes by a soft-templating method

Preparation of continuous mesoporous carbon membranes without the use of an intermediate inorganic template was achieved using a thermosetting phenolic resin, resorcinol/phloroglucinol/formaldehyde, and a thermally-decomposable organic template, Pluronic F127 (PEO(106)-PPO(70)-PEO(106)). The coating solution was cast on porous alpha-alumina supports by dip-coating. Afterwards, decomposition of the organic template and solidification of the carbon precursors are simultaneously performed through a carbonization process. A composite layer of carbon/alumina was formed. The single gas permeation was governed by the Knudsen diffusion mechanism. The membrane exhibited high hydrothermal stability and high alkaline resistance. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.