Synthesis of zeolite/carbon nanotube composite for gas separation

Abstract

A hybrid composite of NaY zeolite and amine modified multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) has been synthesized by hydrothermal method. The obtained NaY/CNT composite (NC composite) was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and BET analysis. CO2, CH4 and N2 adsorption at two different temperatures and P < 5 bar on the composite was investigated by the volumetric method. The selectivity of the NC composite for CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 has been studied and compared with pure NaY zeolite. Crystal structures of NC composite were similar to those of pure NaY zeolite, but the surface area and pore volume of the NC composite are enhanced. Incorporation of MWCNTs into NaY zeolite increases nucleation sites for the formation of NaY zeolite crystals, resulting in the smaller size of NaY zeolite crystals. Gas adsorption capacity and selectivity of NC composite increased because of enhancement of micropore volume. The results confirm that NC composite is a promising material for the separation and purification of gases.