Abstract:
A process for producing a porous metal membrane (pore size 10 nm and 1 um), a metal membrane of this type, the use of the metal membrane and also corresponding filter modules. The Dice is 1-20 microns. The plasma immersion ion implantation process is utilized by bombarding a very thin metal foil with noble gas ions accelerated by means of a first accelerating voltage, in particular from both sides. The ion current is selected so that supersaturation occurs in the metal foil. Pores, in particular under the metal surface, are then formed by bubble segregation after supersaturation. Opening of the pores formed under the metal surface by ion implantation is effected by atomization of the surface by means of bombardment with noble gas ions using a second accelerating voltage which is lower than the first accelerating voltage.