Direct Synthesis of High Aspect Ratio Zeolite Nanosheets

Zeolite Nanosheets with Nanometer Thicknesses

A newly developed direct synthesis method creates zeolite nanosheets with nanometer thicknesses and a high aspect ratio. The process creates zeolite nanosheets with enhanced mass transport properties within their nanopores, favorable to applications such as catalysis and separation. The nanosheets feature many desirable characteristics: predominant thickness of 5nm (2.5 unit cells), 0.6 nm straight pores down their thin dimension, and basal dimensions of several micrometers. For example, the material includes a planar layer of MFI zeolite where the planar layer ranges in thickness between 4 nm and 10 nm for at least 70% of a basal area of the planar layer. The direct synthesized nanosheets exhibited superior selectivity and flux compared to the state-of-the-art membranes made with exfoliated nanosheets or conventional crystals.

Improved Zeolite Membrane

Previous methods of preparing zeolite nanosheets are time-consuming, costly, low-yield and result in fragmented nanosheets with sub-micrometer lateral dimensions. This direct synthesis method provides a viable path to high-aspect-ratio zeolite nanosheets, with improved yield at a lower cost.

BENEFITS AND FEATURES:

• Direct synthesis; easier to prepare
• Nanometer thicknesses: between 4 nm and 10 nm for at least 70% of a basal area of the planar layer
• Superior selectivity and flux
• Enhanced mass transport properties within their nanopores
• High aspect ratio
• Higher yield
• Potentially lower cost

APPLICATIONS:

• Zeolite membranes
• Chemical / petroleum separation equipment
• High-performance separation membranes
• Catalysis and separation

Phase of Development - Prototype developed