Synthesis of NaA zeolite membranes : Comparative study of Microwave, Autoclave and Electrophoretic Techniques

  • Neeranut Kuanchertchoo, Department of Materials Technology, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamheang University, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Santi Kulprathipanja, UOP, LLC,illinois, United States
  • Pavadee Aungkavattana, Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), Thailand Science Park, Pathumthani, Thailand
  • Duangduen Atong, Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), Thailand Science Park, Pathumthani, Thailand
  • Khunthima Hemra, Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), Thailand Science Park, Pathumthani, Thailand
  • Thirasak Rirksomboon, The Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Sujitra Wongkasemjit*, The Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

    • The preparation of NaA zeolite membranes has attached much attention in recent years due to their potential application in many fields, especially, ethanol-water separation for gasohol production. Generally, NaA zeolite films are prepared using several techniques, but the preparation of a continuous and thin layer of zeolite film is also concerned to obtain high performance. In this work, NaA zeolite films have been synthesized on α Al2O3 tube by different techniques, viz. microwave heating, autoclave and electrophoresis. The effect of synthesis parameters such as seeding and optimum conditions (temperature and time)on membrane perfection will be discussed. The continuous and thin layer of zeolite films was observed using XRD and SEM. Moreover, the performance of the membranes was determined by pervaporation technique.
    Keywords: NaA zeolite, Microwave, Autoclave, Electrophoretic, Membrane perfection,, Pervaporation