Synthesis of SAPO-34 Zeolite Membrane: Influence of Sources of Silica

The research described the production and characterization of various materials, particularly alpha-alumina ceramic supports, zeolite SAPO-34, and zeolite membranes. Ceramic supports were manufactured through dry uniaxial compaction. Sintering of the supports was carried out at 1300°C for 2 h. SAPO-34 zeolites and zeolite membranes were synthesized through a hydrothermal process involving two steps: a first step at 38°C for 24 h and a second step at 200°C for 24 h. The research aimed to determine how different silica sources, namely Aerosil 380, colloidal silica, and TEOS, influenced the outcome of the synthesis. The study identified that Aerosil 380 silica was the most suitable source for synthesizing SAPO-34 zeolites and membranes. Zeolite membranes (SAPO-34/alpha-alumina) displayed a uniform and homogeneous distribution of SAPO-34 phase zeolitic crystals. The absence of defects or cracks in these membranes confirmed the successful formation of the SAPO-34 zeolite membrane structure. This research has significant implications, particularly in materials science and applications utilizing zeolites and membranes. The choice of silica source plays a crucial role in determining the quality and properties of the synthesized materials, and the detailed characterization provides valuable insights into their performance in practical applications. Overall, the research contributes to the understanding and optimization of zeolite synthesis processes.