Seeded Synthesis of AlPO4-5 Membrane in Diluted Mother Liquor

Abstract

AlPO4-5 with an AFI topology membrane on an a-alumina substrate has been fabricated continuously, without defects, and with high intergrowth. By using traditional hydrothermal methods in diluted mother liquor, an AlPO4-5 membrane has been produced by a simple second growth synthesis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed no defects in the prepared supporting film, and X-ray (XRD) diffraction confirmed the layer of molecular sieve AlPO4-5 on the porous support of α-alumina. In this study, various synthesis parameters were systematically examined. Based on H2, He, N2, CO2, and SF6 permeance results, the supported membranes display Knudsen diffusion behavior, and the membrane’s pervaporation properties of organic compounds (n-hexane, o-xylene, and TIPB) show minimized defects, verifying their high quality.