Membrane processes for biofuel separation: an introduction

In recent years, membrane systems have found industrial level application in a large variety of advanced separation and purification processes, including biofuel production and purification. The numerous advantages over conventional techniques can be summarized as: minimization of capital cost, flexibility, compactness of the plants, and optimal ratio between productivity and efficiency alongside energy-saving. This chapter gives a general overview of the concept of membranes and membrane technology, followed by information on membrane classification and techniques of fabrication. The remaining sections then discuss gas separation, pervaporation and inorganic membrane reactor-based transport mechanisms and the use of these membrane processes for biofuel production and purification (including hydrogen production).