Preparation of supported Sil-1, TS-1 and VS-1 membranes: Effects of Ti and V metal ions on the membrane synthesis and permeation properties

The incorporation of titanium and vanadium metal ions into the structural framework of MFI zeolite imparts the material with catalytic properties. These zeolites are good candidates for catalytic membranes. The Sil-1, TS-1 and VS-1 membranes were grown on pre-seeded porous stainless steel support using hydrothermal synthesis method. The effects of silica and metal (i.e. Ti and V) contents, template concentration and temperature on the zeolite membrane growth and morphology were investigated. The addition of Ti and V metal ions inhibits the zeolite growth and, thus, restricting the amount of metals (i.e. Ti and V) that can be effectively incorporated into the membrane without compromising its separation performance. Optimum Si and TPAOH concentrations were identified for the synthesis of well-intergrown zeolite membranes. An increase in the synthesis temperature can result in a change in film crystallographic orientation and the appearance of imperfections in the form of imbedded zeolite crystals. Single gas permeation experiments were conducted for noble gases (He and Ar), inorganic gases (H₂, N₂, SF₆) and hydrocarbons (methane, n-C₄, i-C₄) to determine the separation performance of these membranes. The results indicate that the gas transport through Sil-1 and VS-1 membranes is predominantly through the zeolite pores and that the presence of vanadium in VS-1 has significant influence on the permeance of adsorbed gases (e.g. hydrocarbons). Laminar flow is important for the TS-1 membrane that exhibited microscopic cracks.