Novel two-layered zeolite NaA-silicalite-1 membranes

A two-layered zeolite NaA-silicalite-1 membrane has been successfully prepared on a porous α-alumina tube by using seeded hydrothermal synthesis. The procedure involves pre-seeding with nanosized seed and subsequent regrowth by hydrothermal treatment. Single-layered NaA and silicalite-1 membranes were also synthesized for comparison. The membrane was composed of a silicalite-1 layer on top and a NaA layer on the porous support. SEM results of the membrane indicate that both the silicalite-1 layer and the NaA layer are uniform and well-intergrown. The silicalite-1 and NaA layers in the 'sandwich' mode have similar thickness of 3-4 μm, whereas the thickness of their respective seed layer is different. The NaA seed layer is much thicker than the silicalite-1seed layer. This may be attributed to the different capillary action on the support and NaA layer during using a slip-casting seeding method. XRD analysis has also proved both zeolite NaA and zeolite silicalite-1 layers coexist in the dual-layered membrane. This method is also suitable for preparing other multi-layer zeolite membranes.