Nanoporous SiO2/vycor membranes for air separation

Author

Mihir Tungare, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

Summer 8-31-2000

Degree Name

Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering - (M.S.)

Department

Committee for the Interdisciplinary Program in Materials Science and Engineering

First Advisor

Roland A. Levy

Second Advisor

James M. Grow

Third Advisor

Trevor Tyson

Abstract

Porous Vycor tubes with 40Å initial pore diameter were modified using low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) of silicon dioxide N0₂). Diethylsilane (DES) in conjunction with nitrous oxide (N₂O) was used as a precursor to synthesize these SiO₂ films. The aim of this study was to obtain a considerable selectivity between species of comparable size and hence N₂O was used. The use of N₂O was believed to make the process self-limiting. DES was allowed to flow through the tube and N₂O on the outside in the chamber at 550°C in a counter-flow mechanism. This deposition geometry provided an optimum pore narrowing rate and eliminated the possibility of film cracking. The pore size of the Vycor tube was reduced with successive depositions and the stage at which maximum selectivity between oxygen and nitrogen was obtained was recorded. The value of selectivity was confirmed using mass spectroscopy and reproducing the results using another Vycor tube. The temperature dependence on selectivity was also studied. Characterization of the Vycor membranes was carried out to observe the SiO₂ coating. Calculation of permeability was done using ASTM standards.

Recommended Citation

Tungare, Mihir, "Nanoporous SiO2/vycor membranes for air separation" (2000). Theses. 766.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/766