Preparation of Robust, Thin Zeolite Membrane Sheet for Molecular Separation

This paper reports a feasibility study on the preparation of zeolite membrane films on a thin, porous metal support sheet (50 μm thick). Zeolite sodium A (NaA) and silicalite zeolite frameworks are chosen to represent syntheses of respective hydrophilic-type and hydrophobic-type zeolite membranes on this new support. It is found that a dense, continuous intergrown zeolite crystal layer at a thickness less than 3 μm can be directly deposited on such a support by using direct and secondary growth techniques. The resulting membrane shows excellent adhesion on the metal sheet. Molecular-sieving functions of the prepared membranes are characterized with ethanol/water separation, CO 2 separation, and air dehumidification. The results show great potential to make flexible metal-foil-like zeolite membranes for a range of energy conversion and environmental applications.