The preparation and analysis of zeolite ZSM-5 membranes on porous alumina supports

Zeolite ZSM-5 particles formed in the synthesis solution assume a negative charge due to electrical double layer effects. Therefore, we investigated the use of electrophoretic techniques in addition to the hydrothermal synthesis method to attract the zeolite particles to the substrate surface before they precipitate out of the solution. This electrophoretic driving force produces a thin, continuous zeolite ZSM-5 membrane on the porous substrate. This research was conducted in order to produce zeolite membranes on a tubular support that could effect continuous gas phase separations. The thickness of membranes can be controlled by varying the precursor concentration, applied potential, and synthesis time. The selectivity of n-butane over iso-butane is observed on every membrane. The membranes were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX).