Preparation of Silicalite Membranes on Stainless Steel Grid Supports

Silicalite membranes have been prepared by seeded liquid-phase hydrothermal synthesis on alternative supports, namely, two types of stainless steel grids with opening sizes ranging from 2 to 5 (mu)m. The influence of the gel composition, the use of surfactants, and the synthesis time have been studied. The silicalite membranes prepared on stainless steel grids were tested in the separation of n-/i-butane mixtures, showing performances which are comparable to those of good quality membranes prepared on conventional supports.