Zeolite membrane reactors overview

This chapter gives an overview of the synthesis procedures and appUcations of zeoUte membranes (gas separation, pervaporation, zeolite-membrane reactors), as well as new emerging appUcations in the micro- and nanotechnology field. Related areas such as new zeoUte and zeoUte-related materials for membranes, alternative supports, and scale-up issues are also discussed. 

More specifically in the area of this overview, zeolite materials constitute the main group of microporous membranes with regard to their potential membrane-reactor apphcations. The wide variety of existing zeolite structures, together with the possibility of modifying their adsorption and catalytic properties, provides us with a working material of high flexibihty. As a... 

The application of permeable composite monolith membranes for the FT synthesis has been tested [122]. An overview of concepts associated with this reactor type has been presented (Figure 12.25) [123]. Novel uses of this concept have been advanced, and some experimental results have demonstrated the ability to operate at high CO conversion with metal FT catalysts by removal of the water produced during the synthesis [ 124] and the encapsulation of an FT catalyst by a zeolite membrane layer to effect upgrading reactions in the FT reactor [125]. The potential of this technique merits further studies to evaluate the ability to scale to a commercial level. 

In this chapter the application of zeolite membranes as membrane reactors will be illustrated. A short overview on the methods to synthesize membranes will be given. Basic concepts on mass transport through zeolite membranes will be also shown. Finally, the application of the zeolite membranes for use as reactors will be discussed in more detail. 

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