The incorporation of methyl groups in microporous silica membranes was proven to enhance the service time in the dehydration of a butanol-water mixture at 95 degrees C from a few weeks to more than 18 months with a water flux of about 4 kg m(-2) h(-1) and a selectivity between 500 and 20 000.

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Porous alumina as single tubes and as a multihole structure with controlled properties has been prepared. It is shown that the porous structure of these supports can be controlled without burning out additives but by a variation of the ratio between the main alumina component (c~-A1203) and ahlminium hydroxide (binder) in the extrusion masses and thermal treatment conditions. Gas permeability measurements have been used for the characterization of the supports. The properties of the ceramics are shown to satisfy the requirements of membrane supports.