The Gas separation membranes work on the principle of selective permeability, where gases pass through a membrane at different rates. Materials such as polyimides, polysulfones, and cellulose acetates are commonly used to fabricate these membranes due to their strength and chemical resistance.

There are several configurations of gas separation membranes, including hollow-fiber, spiral-wound, and flat-sheet designs. Each type offers unique advantages depending on the application. For instance, hollow-fiber membranes provide a high surface area-to-volume ratio, making them suitable for large-scale gas separation in industries.

Applications include nitrogen generation, oxygen enrichment, hydrogen recovery, and removal of acid gases like CO₂ and H₂S from natural gas streams. They also find usage in biogas upgrading to enhance methane concentration.

One of the biggest advantages of gas separation membranes is their modularity—they can be scaled up easily, require minimal maintenance, and have low operational costs compared to conventional separation methods. Ongoing innovations, especially in hybrid and mixed-matrix membranes, are enhancing performance, enabling the handling of more challenging gas streams while extending membrane lifespan.