By contrast with polymeric membranes, they can be used in separations where aggressive media (acids, strong solvents) are present.
Dense ceramic membranes have been studied for process intensification applications to reduce the energy consumption of many technologies used in the petroleum industry.
In this process a support is initially made by sintering particles of a ceramic material into a mold with a binding agent.
The leading group was directed by Professor Louis Cot at the National Graduate School of Chemistry in Montpellier.
[5] French manufacturers of ceramic membranes include Orelis Environnement (Alsys group), Pall Exekia and Tami Industries.
Silicon carbide requires higher sintering temperatures (>2000 °C)[6] compared to oxide based membranes (1200-1600 °C).