Membrane structure and method of making

US7717271B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• General Electric Company · US

Inventors

• Vidya Ramaswamy · Niskayuna, US
• James Anthony Ruud · Delmar, US
• Melissa Suzanne Sander · Denver, US
• Anthony Yu-Chung Ku · Fremont, US
• Mohan Manoharan · Bengaluru, IN
• Milivoj Konstantin Brun · Ballston Lake, US
• Seth Thomas Taylor · Niskayuna, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 7, 2005
• Grant date: May 18, 2010
• Expiry date: Feb 18, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/31504
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A membrane structure is provided. The membrane structure includes a first layer having a plurality of interconnected pores; and a second layer disposed on the first layer. The second layer has a plurality of unconnected pores. Each of the unconnected pores is in fluid communication with at least one of the interconnected pores of the first layer. A method of making a membrane structure is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a first layer having a plurality of interconnected pores; and disposing a second layer on the first layer. Disposing a second layer includes depositing a conducting layer on the first layer; and anodizing the conducting layer to convert the conducting layer into a porous layer.