ABSTRACT
Carbon membranes are widely used for different separation applications. To improve separation performance, it is critical to understand the fundamental structure of the carbon membrane and its gas transport mechanisms. This chapter describes methods for the characterization of carbon membranes in terms of morphology, microstructure, and separation performance. Chemical structural evolution during carbonization can be analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis, mass spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Physical characterization methods for the assessment of microstructure properties of carbon membranes are discussed, including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and gas physisorption. Single gas and mixed gas measusrements for evaluating separation performance are also described.
