Effect of cellulose buffer layer on synthesis and gas permeation properties of NaA zeolite membrane

NaA zeolite membrane coating was successfully synthesized on a porous alumina substrate by hydrothermal treatment. The effects of synthesis parameters like, seeding type (ex situ, in situ), time, temperature, sol concentration, coating stages, application of intermediate layer, etc. on membrane characteristics were investigated. A continuous membrane was formed on a seeded substrate. Surface seeding (ex situ crystallization) not only accelerates the zeolite crystallization process on the support surface, but can also enhance the formation of homogeneous NaA zeolite layer. The NaA zeolite membrane with a synthesis time of 4 h shows the best microstructure and the quality of membrane was improved by employing the multi-stage coating. But the main problem associated with membrane synthesis was crack formation, and it can be reduced by applying intermediate layer, between support surface and seed layer. A thin cellulose layer was applied to the support surface before applying seed crystals. The performance of the membranes was evaluated by gas permeation measurement. The permeance of O₂, N₂ decreased as kinetic diameter of gases increased. The permselectivity of O₂/N₂ was 1.9–2.34. This value showed the molecular sieving effect of NaA zeolite membrane.