NSF Award
9060525
In this project, a zeolite film (membrane) is grown on a polymer film. To accomplish this, tetralkyl ammonium ion templates for initiating zeolite growth are attached to the surface of the polymer film by long hydrocarbon chains. The zeolite, as it forms, grow a channel around the hydrocarbon chain. The resultant hybrid film is evaluated for separation of gas and liquid solution as prepared and after removal of the polymer film. It is planned to produce a silicalite membrane on a cellulose ester film which will be applicable to the separation of nitrogen/oxygen and ethanol/water solution. This will establish the basic principles for expansion of this technology to many other separation applications. The development of highly selective membranes will have many benefits including purer, more competitive products, decreased pollution and energy savings. Zeolites with their molecular sized channels and variable chemical affinities have already demonstrated high selectivity in many applications. The availability of zeolite films would lead to much broader applications of membrane technology.
