Supported Zeolite Membranes for Methanol-Water Separation--Crystals & Ceramics Technology, Inc., 6131 West 80th Street, P.O. Box 68378, Indianapolis, IN 46278-1344; (317) 549-2715
Dr. Krishna M. Choudhary, Principal Investigator
Mr. Steven L. Ford, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82563
Amount: $75,000

Supported zeolite membranes are under development for use in separation processes to remove alcohols from waste water. The main problem in the use of supported zeolite membranes is that voids and cracks in the membranes greatly reduce the separation efficiency. This project will investigate the deposition of defect-free high-silica zeolite membranes on porous alumina and zirconia supports using micro- or mesoporous perovskite type oxide interlayers. In Phase I, near defect-free ZSM-5 zeolite coatings will be applied to porous alumina substrates by hydrothermal growth using perovskite-type oxide interlayers. The interlayers will be micro- or mesoporous (pore size: 0.5-5 nm). They will be deposited by sol-gel coating.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The supported zeolite membranes, having much higher efficiency for separating methanol from waste water, will be used in the hospital industry, chemical plants and pharmaceutical laboratories.