certain embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from an aromatic hydrocarbon feed stream . the apparatus includes a membrane support , and a hydrophilic polymer membrane matrix disposed on the membrane support . the hydrophilic polymer membrane matrix includes an effective amount of polyvinyl alcohol and an effective amount of sodium alginate . the apparatus further includes a carrier agent bonded to the hydrophilic polymer membrane matrix using a cross - linking agent . the carrier agent exhibits a greater affinity for aromatics compared to aliphatics . the apparatus further includes a membrane housing configured to hold the membrane support . the membrane housing includes an inlet , a permeate outlet , and a retentate outlet , the inlet being operable to receive the aromatic hydrocarbon feed stream , the permeate outlet being operable to discharge a permeate stream , and the retentate outlet being operable to discharge a retentate stream .