Carbon dioxide permeable membrane

A method of separating carbon dioxide from a mixture of gaseous molecules, said method comprising:

• providing a carbon dioxide permeable membrane formed from a plurality of second regions including an oxygen conductive solid oxide and a plurality of first regions including molten carbonate, said membrane having a first side and an opposite second side, wherein said plurality of first regions are configured to conduct carbonate ions, said plurality of second regions are configured to conduct oxide ions and separate carbon dioxide from other gaseous molecules, and said plurality of second regions are surface treated with a catalyst that promotes transfer of oxide ions from said plurality of second regions to said plurality of first regions when separating carbon dioxide;
• directing a flow of said mixture of gaseous molecules toward said first side of said membrane, said mixture of gaseous molecules having a temperature of about 200 to 1200 degrees Celsius;
• creating a partial pressure difference of carbon dioxide from said first side of said membrane to said second side of said membrane;
• driving a flux of carbonate ions from said first side of said membrane to said second side of said membrane;
• and
• driving a flux of oxide ions from said second side of said membrane to said first side of the membrane.