Modification of silicalite-1 by vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) and preparation of silicalite-1 filled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) hybrid pervaporation membranes

▶ Silicalite-1 could be modified by vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS). The modification did not change the crystal framework of silicalite-1, but enhanced its hydrophobicity and affinity with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix. ▶ VTMS modification helped to make interfacial void-free hybrid membranes with higher silicalite-1 loading. ▶ VTMS modification enhanced the selectivity of the silicalite-1/PDMS hybrid membrane in separating butanol from acetone, butanol and ethanol (ABE) aqueous solution by pervaporation.