Separation of ethanol-water mixture using type-A zeolite molecular sieve

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental procedure for the synthesis of a type-A zeolite molecular sieve, usable in the separation of an ethanol-water mixture. The type-A zeolite molecular sieve is obtained from a reactive mixture formed by a source of alumina, a source of silica and a promoter. Characterization of the molecular sieves obtained in this work was undertaken using X-ray diffraction (XRD), adsorption isotherms and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results from the characterization procedures showed that part of the product presented a pore diameter suitable for the separation of an ethanol-water mixture.