Preparation and characterization of A-type zeolite/SiO2 molecular sieving membranes

To deal with the brittleness and crystal grain interfacial defects of zeolite membranes, and to confine the pore size distribution of inorganic membranes in a limited range, a process method for composite membranes of A-type zeolite/SiO2 was discribed. A silica sol was mixed with nanocrystals of zeolite 4A in a suitable proportion, then the supported membranes was prepared by dip-coating method. The composite membranes prepared in first step was treated hydrothermally again, so nanocrystal zeolite 4A formed and located in the mesopores of the membranes, and the microstructure and pore size distribution of the membrane were modified greatly. The thermal stability, mineral phase, microstructure, and pore size distribution were examined via DTA-TG, X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and BET equipment. The structure of the composite membranes remains high stability below 800 degreesC. Its average pore size in a very limited range is smaller than that in the untreated membranes in hydrothermal condition, and the peak bands of the membrane pores are 4x10(-10) m, 1. 8x10(-9) m, respectively.