Zeolite membranes from kaolin

Conference · Mon Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996

OSTI ID:266618

Karle, B G ^[1]; Brinker, C J ^[1]; Phillips, M L.F. ^[2]

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1. Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (United States). Center for Micro-Engineered Ceramics
2. Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Zeolite films are sought as components of molecular sieve membranes. Different routes used to prepare zeolite composite membranes include growing zeolite layers from gels on porous supports, depositing oriented zeolites on supports, and dispersing zeolites in polymeric membranes. In most cases, it is very difficult to control and avoid the formation of cracks and/or pinholes. The approach to membrane synthesis is based on hydrothermally converting films of layered aluminosilicates into zeolite films. The authors have demonstrated this concept by preparing zeolite A membranes on alumina supports from kaolin films. The authors have optimized the process parameters not only for desired bulk properties, but also for preparing thin (ca. 5 {micro}m), continuous zeolite A films. Scanning electron microscopy shows highly intergrown zeolite A crystals over most of the surface area of the membrane, but gas permeation experiments indicate existence of mesoporous defects and/or intercrystalline gaps. It has been demonstrated that the thickness of the final zeolite A membrane can be controlled by limiting the amount of precursor kaolin present in the membrane.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 266618
• Report Number(s): SAND--96-1733C; CONF-960401--61; ON: DE96012911
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ALKALINE HYDROLYSIS
CALCINATION
CRYSTALLIZATION
DEPOSITION
FABRICATION
GASES
KAOLIN
MEMBRANES
MOLECULAR SIEVES
PRECURSOR
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SODIUM HYDROXIDES
ZEOLITES