High-performance 19-channel monolithic CHA zeolite membranes for vapor-permeation dehydration of acetic acid

doi:10.1016/j.cjche.2025.04.021

Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 87 ›› Issue (11): 252-261.DOI: 10.1016/j.cjche.2025.04.021

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High-performance 19-channel monolithic CHA zeolite membranes for vapor-permeation dehydration of acetic acid

Hong Xiao, Shilei Yu, Yuhan Yan, Junjing Zhou, Rongfei Zhou, Weihong Xing

State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China

Received:2025-03-11 Revised:2025-04-22 Accepted:2025-04-24 Online:2025-07-01 Published:2025-11-28
Contact: Rongfei Zhou,E-mail:rf-zhou@njtech.edu.cn
Supported by:
This work was financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2023YFB3810700), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22378189, U22A20414 and 22378188), the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology (BK20232010 and BG2024018), and National State Key Laboratory of Material-oriented Chemical Engineering (SKL-MCE-22A02 and SKL-MCE23B14).

High-performance 19-channel monolithic CHA zeolite membranes for vapor-permeation dehydration of acetic acid

Hong Xiao, Shilei Yu, Yuhan Yan, Junjing Zhou, Rongfei Zhou, Weihong Xing

State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China

通讯作者: Rongfei Zhou,E-mail:rf-zhou@njtech.edu.cn
基金资助:
This work was financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2023YFB3810700), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22378189, U22A20414 and 22378188), the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology (BK20232010 and BG2024018), and National State Key Laboratory of Material-oriented Chemical Engineering (SKL-MCE-22A02 and SKL-MCE23B14).

Abstract

Abstract: Membrane-based vapor permeation (VP) is regarded as a highly efficient technology, featuring low energy consumption and free salt fouling. In this study, we have demonstrated upscaling chabazite (CHA) zeolite membranes on the 19-channel α-Al₂O₃ monolithic supports synthesized from high-silica gel (SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio of 200) for the dehydration of acetic acid by VP. The monolithic membrane presents higher surface-to-volume ratio and a-tenfold greater mechanical strength compared to tubular ones. The micromorphology and crystallinity of the monolithic CHA zeolite membranes were characterized by scanning electron micrographs and X-ray diffraction analysis. The single-gas permeation test and the effects of temperature, feed water content and feed flow rate on the VP separation performance of monolithic CHA zeolite membrane for dehydration of acetic acid were investigated. Moreover, the stability test of monolithic CHA zeolite membranes was carried out. The 19-channel monolithic membrane achieved a comparable separation performance (water flux of 0.63 kg m^-2·h^-1 and selectivity of 369 at 393 K) with the reported small-area zeolite membranes in water/acetic acid mixtures. It is demonstrated that the monolithic CHA zeolite membranes could be transformative candidates for industrial dehydration of acetic acid under harsh environments.

Key words: Zeolite membrane, Monolithic, Chabazite, Acetic acid, Vapor permeation

摘要： Membrane-based vapor permeation (VP) is regarded as a highly efficient technology, featuring low energy consumption and free salt fouling. In this study, we have demonstrated upscaling chabazite (CHA) zeolite membranes on the 19-channel α-Al₂O₃ monolithic supports synthesized from high-silica gel (SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio of 200) for the dehydration of acetic acid by VP. The monolithic membrane presents higher surface-to-volume ratio and a-tenfold greater mechanical strength compared to tubular ones. The micromorphology and crystallinity of the monolithic CHA zeolite membranes were characterized by scanning electron micrographs and X-ray diffraction analysis. The single-gas permeation test and the effects of temperature, feed water content and feed flow rate on the VP separation performance of monolithic CHA zeolite membrane for dehydration of acetic acid were investigated. Moreover, the stability test of monolithic CHA zeolite membranes was carried out. The 19-channel monolithic membrane achieved a comparable separation performance (water flux of 0.63 kg m^-2·h^-1 and selectivity of 369 at 393 K) with the reported small-area zeolite membranes in water/acetic acid mixtures. It is demonstrated that the monolithic CHA zeolite membranes could be transformative candidates for industrial dehydration of acetic acid under harsh environments.

关键词: Zeolite membrane, Monolithic, Chabazite, Acetic acid, Vapor permeation

Hong Xiao, Shilei Yu, Yuhan Yan, Junjing Zhou, Rongfei Zhou, Weihong Xing. High-performance 19-channel monolithic CHA zeolite membranes for vapor-permeation dehydration of acetic acid[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2025, 87(11): 252-261.

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High-performance 19-channel monolithic CHA zeolite membranes for vapor-permeation dehydration of acetic acid

High-performance 19-channel monolithic CHA zeolite membranes for vapor-permeation dehydration of acetic acid

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