Preparation and characterization of polymer-zeolite nanocomposite membranes

Polymer-zeolite nanocomposite membrane separations represent a growing technological area with potentially high economic reward due to the low energy requirements. The use of polymer-zeolite nanocomposite membrane with incorporated zeolite nanocrystals has the potential to combine the advantages of polymers and zeolites while overcoming the shortcomings of both materials. This work focuses on the use of zeolite SAPO-5 nanocrystals for the preparation of the composite polyurethane membranes. SAPO-5 nanocrystals are synthesized in our laboratory and characterized by XRD and SEM analyses. Polymer-zeolite membranes were prepared by the incorporation of dispersible SAPO-5 nanocrystals into the polyurethane matrix. Polyurethane solutions were selected as organic network and a series of membranes, in which the content of zeolite ranges between 10 and 70 wt.%, were obtained and characterized by SEM analysis, Bubble-point method, density, swelling and sorption measurements. The used preparation method induces membrane anisotropy. The SAPO-5 zeolite acted as a cross-linker of the used polymer. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.