Separation of Ethanol‐Water MixtureUsing Type‐A Zeolite Molecular Sieve

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental procedure for the synthesis of a type‐A zeolite molecular sieve, usable in the separation of an ethanol‐water mixture. The type‐A zeolite molecular sieve is obtained from a reactive mixture formed by a source of alumina, a source of silica and a promoter. Characterization of the molecular sieves obtained in this work was undertaken using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), adsorption isotherms and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results from the characterization procedures showed that part of the product presented a pore diameter suitable for the separation of an ethanol‐water mixture.