CHARACTERIZATION OF SUPPORTED ALUMINA MEMBRANES FORMED BY AN IN-SITU SOL-GEL METHOD

The formation of alumina coatings on porous ceramic tubes by an in situ sol-gel process was reported earlier, Using this process, coating layers were prepared and heat-treated to temperatures between 60 degrees and 950 degrees C, The bayerite phase of alumina was identified by X-ray diffraction analysis in the dried layers. Gas flow rates of He, N-2, Ar, and CO2 were measured, The gas flow rates decreased for a given pressure drop in the order He > N-2 > Ar. CO2 showed anomalous behavior because of its interaction with the alumina membrane.