Cordierite-supported ZSM-5 membrane: Preparation and pervaporation properties in the dehydration of water–alcohol mixture

• Published in: Separation and purification technology Vol. 44; no. 3; pp. 266 - 270
• Main Authors: Zhou, Lizhi, Wang, Tao, Nguyen, Quang Trong, Li, Jun, Long, Yingcai, Ping, Zhenghua
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.08.2005; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemical engineering; Cordierite; Crystallization, leaching, miscellaneous separations; Exact sciences and technology; Membrane separation (reverse osmosis, dialysis...); Pervaporation; Vapor deposition; Water–alcohol separation; ZSM-5 membrane; Water–alcohol separation; Cordierite; Vapor deposition; ZSM-5 membrane; Pervaporation; Water-alcohol separation; In situ; Crystallization; Zeolite; Dehydration; Chemical vapor deposition; Transport process; Membrane separation; Preparation; Inorganic membrane; Low temperature
• ISSN: 1383-5866; 1873-3794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2004.12.016

The ZSM-5 type membrane was prepared on a flat cordierite support by low temperature chemical vapor deposition (LTCVD) of a silica layer, followed by an in situ crystallization in vapor phase. The membrane obtained consisted of loosely-packed zeolite crystals in the pores of the support. The silica–alumina ratio of the membrane zeolite layer determined by EDX was low, indicating a hydrophilic nature of the membrane. The performances of the ZSM-5 membrane in the separation of water–alcohol mixtures by pervaporation were studied and discussed with respect to the membrane structure and the alcohol nature. The membrane showed very high selectivity towards water in the water–ethanol mixture. The transport mechanism of the membrane has also been discussed.