Because of the well-defined porous crystalline structure, zeolite membrane is promising in CO2 capture. Reported zeolite Y membranes for CO2 separation take long synthesis time, high cost and has low reproducibility. Rapid growth of faujasitic membrane on a polyethersulfone support is investigated in this study. The membrane growth takes place in a novel zeolite reactor, where the extent of supersaturation of the synthesis gel is controlled by removal of water from the reaction system. The gel remaining after removal of half the water from the reaction is isolated and used as a coating on the polymer support. Along with this reactive gel, optimal coating of nanozeolite seed deposition on the porous polymer support was also investigated. Eight variations of the gel-seed combinations are examined for optimum membrane growth. Polymer supports with the gel and the seed layer are then reintroduced back into the reactor, and the hydrothermal synthesis continued with the water being added back to the reactor system. Based on the electron microscopy of the membrane formed after one hour of reaction, the optimal membrane synthesis conditions was defined. Further characterization included X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and more detailed scanning electron microscopy. Leak test of a dye through the membrane and the mechanical stability of the membrane via a tape test was performed. The transport properties of these membrane for CO2/N2 separation was evaluated. With a silicone polymer (PDMS) covering mesoporous defects of the grown zeolite membrane separation characteristics included CO2 permeance is in the range of 500 - 1200 GPU and CO2/N2 selectivity is 50 - 110. With this membrane design, a planar geometry during handling and use is necessary, since bending can introduce cracks that degrade the transport properties of the membrane.

Rapid synthesis of faujasite/polyethersulfone composite membrane and application for CO2/N2 separation

249th National Meeting (2015)

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