Highly Efficient Composite Membranes for Ethanol-Water Pervaporation

Abstract

The utility of composite membranes for ethanol-water pervaporation was investigated. It was found that the separation capability is highest if polyelectrolytes with high charge density, such as polyethylene-imine (PEI) and polyvinylsulfate (PVS), are used. Under optimum conditions, the PEI/PVS separation layer is highly efficient in water enrichment in the permeate. A separation factor up to 1000 could be detected, the flux being 590 g/m2h. Effects of membrane annealing and change in pervaporation temperature are also discussed.