Pd-doped SiO2 composite membranes were synthesized by a reverse micelle and sol-gel process. The average particle size of the mixed sol was below 30 nm and well dispersed in the solution. TEM results show the microstructure of the Pd-doped SiO2 composite membranes was homogeneous. Average pore size of the support was about 0.125 μm and the pore size distribution was narrow. The average pore size of the Pd-doped SiO2 composite membranes was smaller than that in the SiO2 composite membranes. It was observed that the Pd-doped SiO2 composite membranes showed a crack-free microstructure and a narrow particle size distribution even after heat treatment up to 1000 oC.

Keywords: Pd/SiO2, Nanocomposite membranes, Reverse micelle, Sol-gel process, Asymmetric membrane