An apparatus (10) for separating at least one component from a mixture of a plurality of chemical species is provided. The apparatus (10) comprises a membrane structure (12) comprising a plurality of pores (14) disposed within a matrix (16) material to allow mass transport from a first surface (18) of the membrane structure (12) to a second surface (19) of the membrane structure (12). The matrix (16) material has a thermal conductivity of at least about 10 W/m/K; and a functional material (20) disposed within at least a portion of the plurality of pores (14). The functional material (20) has the property of promoting selective transport of at least one species through the membrane structure (12) from the first surface (18) to the second surface (19).