Effects of processing parameters on the pore structure of mesoporous carbon membranes

Mesoporous carbon membranes have been prepared by means of an organic sol–gel method. The sol formed by resorcinol and formaldehyde was layered on the outer surface of a fly-ash-based microfiltration ceramic membrane, and was then subjected to gelling, drying, and carbonization to form a mesoporous carbon layer. Several surfactants were used to allow the carbon membranes to dry under ambient pressure. The pore properties of the carbon membranes have been examined by physical adsorption of nitrogen and subsequent pore structure analysis. The surface area, mesopore volume, and average pore diameter have been controlled by changing the surfactant species and concentration, the resorcinol/formaldehyde concentration, and the sol synthesis time. The as-prepared carbon membranes showed high performance with low transport resistance. The pore size/distribution can be tailored for a specific separation process by adjusting the preparation conditions. These carbon membranes can be applied in ultrafiltration separation processes.