Integrated membrane-pyrolysis systems and methods

Abstract

A method of processing a mixture of heated vapors, at least two of which substantially differ in polarity from each other, the method comprising directing said mixture of heated vapors at a temperature of at least 150.degree. C. through a hydrophobic or hydrophilic mesoporous membrane comprising a mesoporous coating of hydrophobized or hydrophilized metal oxide nanoparticles, respectively, wherein the hydrophobic mesoporous membrane permits passage of one or more hydrophobic heated vapors and blocks passage of one or more hydrophilic heated vapors, and wherein the hydrophilic mesoporous membrane permits passage of one or more hydrophilic heated vapors and blocks passage of one or more hydrophobic heated vapors. The method is particularly directed to embodiments where the heated vapors emanate from a pyrolysis process. An apparatus for achieving the above-described method is also described.