Abstract: Asymmetric polyacetylene polymer membranes having both improved selectivity and improved flux are provided by a process which comprises forming a solution containing from about 1 to about 5% by weight of a polyacetylene polymer in any suitable solvent therefor, forming the solution into a thin film and quenching the film in an aqueous bath in the presence of from about 0.002 to about 0.4% by weight of the quench bath of surfactant with an HLB value of 11 to 15. Additionally, the polyacetylene polymer solution contains a swelling agent at about 1% to about 10% by weight of polyacetylene polymer solution.

Abstract: Anisotropic gas separation membranes are treated to alter the microporosity of their thin, dense layer or composite coating--the layer or coating which provides selectivity in separations employing such membranes. The treatment increases the selectivity of a membrane with minimal decrease in its flux. The process comprises applying a polar activator to the membrane followed by exposing the membrane to microwave frequency radiation for a period of time sufficient to compact the thin layer of the membrane. The polar activator may be incorporated in the membrane during fabrication or applied as an after-treatment.