Synthesis of SAPO-34 zeolite membranes with the aid of crystal growth inhibitors for CO2–CH4 separation

Abstract

Small SAPO-34 zeolites and thin membranes were synthesized by using triethylamine as the template and β-cyclodextrin as the crystal growth inhibitor (CGI). The thus obtained SAPO-34 membranes exhibited CO₂–CH₄ separation selectivities as high as 186. In addition, they displayed CO₂ permeance values greater than 2.32 × 10⁻⁶ mol m⁻² s⁻¹ Pa⁻¹.