Synthesis of FAU-Zeolite Membrane by a Secondary Growth Method: Influence of Seeding on Membrane Growth and Its Performance in the Dehydration of Isopropyl Alcohol-Water Mixture

Abstract

Y-type zeolite membranes were prepared on a porous tubular α-alumina support by a secondary growth process. Various experimental conditions such as seed size, pH of seed solution, and degassing of support were examined for understanding their influence on the membrane deposition process. The experimental results showed that the potential of alumina support surface and the USY seed slurry plays a significant role in controlling the electrostatic interaction between seed particles and support surface and also the aggregation of USY seed particles in the slurry. In addition, we also noted the significance of the capillary forces working at the three-phase interface on the support surface and is a key factor that governs the seeding behavior onto the tubular support surface. Optimization of these parameters resulted in crack-free compact membranes that were able to effectively separate a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water in a vapor-phase separation process.