Asymmetric High-T c Superconducting Gas Separation Membrane

We have developed new asymmetric high-T c superconducting (Bi1.85Pb0.35)Sr1.9Ca2.1Cu3.1O10+ δ membrane with high efficiency for nitrogen separation from air. This membrane with controlled pore structure can be prepared by the electrophoretic deposition of colloidal (Bi1.85Pb0.35)Sr1.9Ca2.1Cu3.1O10+ δ nanosheets on the substrate pellet. The presence of mesopores in the asymmetric membrane plays an important role in achieving high gas selectivity through the enhancement of magnetic interaction between the superconductor membrane and oxygen molecules. Also, we have found that the control of experimental factors like the orientation of magnetic field, temperature, and pressure difference across the sample is of special importance in optimizing the gas selectivity of the membrane. The present results underscore the applicability of the superconductor membrane as a gas separation device.