Rapid Synthesis of a CHA Membrane Using a Small Tubular Reactor

Known for its excellent adsorption and molecular sieving properties, CHA-type zeolite is highly effective in separation technologies, including alcohol dehydration and gas separation. Despite their advantages, especially in terms of energy savings, the prolonged synthesis time of zeolite membranes limits their commercial adoption. The remarkably rapid synthesis of CHA membranes was demonstrated using an exceptionally small tubular reactor (ID: 4.0 mm, OD: 6.0 mm, L: 135 mm). The formation of membranes could be observed after 10 min of synthesis, and a membrane with a thickness of 0.65 µm, αH2O/2-PrOH of 1662, and a total flux of 2.97 kg/(m2 h), was produced after 40 min of synthesis in an oil bath. Using the synthesis time of 40 min and longer, membranes with good quality and enhanced reproducibility were produced, as the number of defects was reduced. These findings demonstrate the potential for rapid, scalable CHA membrane production, paving the way for broader industrial applications.