Flexible ZSM-5 Zeolite Membrane for High-Performance Helium Separation

Abstract

Flexible zeolite membranes are promising for scalable and adaptable separation of critical gases such as helium; however, the synthesis of such membranes remains a significant challenge. In this study, we report the successful fabrication of crack-free ZSM-5 zeolite membranes on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) supports using a seeded growth method. PTFE-supported membranes exhibit unprecedented helium permeance of over 6.7×10⁻⁷ mol m⁻² s⁻¹ Pa⁻¹ and high He/N₂ and He/CH₄ separation factors of 17 and 83 respectively, surpassing current state-of-the-art membranes. These flexible membranes maintain excellent separation performance even after bending and stretching. Furthermore, large-scale membranes demonstrate stable helium separation from multicomponent gas mixtures, showcasing their significant potential for practical helium extraction from natural gas.