Preparation and characterization of two-layered mordenite-ZSM-5 bi-functional membranes

• Published in: Microporous and mesoporous materials 2006-07, Vol.93 (1), p.318-324
• Main Authors: de la Iglesia, Óscar, Irusta, Silvia, Mallada, Reyes, Menéndez, Miguel, Coronas, Joaquín, Santamaría, Jesús
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bi-functional membrane; Catalysis; Chemistry; Colloidal state and disperse state; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Ion-exchange; Membranes; Mordenite; Porous materials; Surface physical chemistry; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry; Zeolite membrane; Zeolite membrane reactor; Zeolites: preparations and properties; ZSM-5
• ISSN: 1387-1811; 1873-3093
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2006.03.012

Two-layered H-ZSM-5-mordenite membranes have been prepared on alumina tubular supports. The objective of this work is to merge the catalytic activity of H-ZSM-5 with the pervaporation water selectivity of mordenite membranes, i.e. to produce true bi-functional zeolite membranes. To be sure that the needed thermal treatment (to remove TPAOH template from the H-ZSM-5 pores) stage did not alter the hydrophilic character of these two-layered H-ZSM-5-mordenite membranes, the calcination was carried out under a steam/air atmosphere. Experiments concerning the pervaporation of water/ethanol mixtures and the esterification of acetic acid with ethanol were performed to demonstrate the applicability of the membranes prepared here.