The use of membrane reactors for hydrogen production, coupling, this way, the production and separation in a single step, has increased in scientific and technologic importance. The main challenge in this field is to develop catalytic systems more efficient as well as membranes with more suitable gas transport properties. In this work, it was investigated the production of polymeric hollow fibers for preparation of carbon membranes by pyrolysis and further deposition of an active phase to produce catalytic membranes. Precursor membranes were prepared by phase inversion process, using polyetherimide as base polymer and polyvinyl pyrrolidone as macromolecular additive. Carbon membranes were obtained by pyrolysis in a quartz reactor, after an oxidation initial step. Polymeric and carbon membranes were both analyzed by electronic scanning microscopy and permeability tests. The hollow fibers presented a morphology characterized by absence of macrovoids and prevalence of interconnected pores. N2 and CO2 permeability made possible the detection of defects. Carbon membranes presented a typical morphology, with an apparent mechanical resistance, ideal for the intended use as catalyst in natural gas reforming.
Carbon membrane; catalytic membrane; polyetherimide
