Novel preparation techniques for thin metal-ceramic composite membranes

Composite metal membranes obtained by supporting thin metallic films on ceramic substrates have good thermal and mechanical stability. The use of a thin metal film increases transmembrane flux, while retaining high permselectivity that is characteristic of metallic membranes. Novel techniques have been developed for preparing metal-ceramic composite membranes. By the appropriate use of osmotic pressure, the microstructure, porosity, and thickness of the deposited metal can be systematically manipulated. Three new procedures are described for film densification and fabrication: (1) the osmotic pressure is used to densify an existing supported metal membrane; (2) densification and growth of the film is managed under the influence of osmotic pressure by using a dilute plating solution; and (3) films of varying porosity are deposited on the ceramic membrane by combining electroless deposition and osmotic pressure. Silver, palladium, and palladium-silver films prepared by these techniques on a commercial alumina membrane (Membralox) are thermally more stable than similar films deposited by conventional electroless plating.