Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Modified ANA Zeolite Membrane

Abstract

A Novel modified Analcime (Na16 (Al16Si32O96) •16H2O) zeolite with a new molar ratio have been successfully synthesized. In order to investigate the role of the template, Different samples were synthesized with and without Tetramethylammoniumhydroxide (TMAOH) template through hydrothermal method. Different synthesis times (24, 36 and 72 hours) and molar ratios have been utilized. The optimum sample with highest Crystallinity (95.2%) has been used as seed for synthesis of analcime membrane on α-alumina support via Seed-assisted crystallization method. The resultant analcime membranes were then modified by Cu+2 and Ni+2 by ion exchange method. Synthesis of these materials is confirmed by the XRD, EDX and SEM methods. The SEM results of modified membranes showed that the surface of the support is shielded with a continuous layer of Ni+2 and Cu+2 crystals and the analcime zeolite are not destructed. Also, the results of XRD patterns verified that the main diffraction peaks of synthesized zeolites are similar to the analcime zeolite component and ion exchange reactions have not disturbed the structure of zeolite. Furthermore, the purity of analcime zeolites and its orthorhombic structure has been established. It should be mentioned that the modified membrane can be merged as a potential material for many applications such as gas separation.