Preparation of Oriented Zeolite UTD-1 Membranes via Pulsed Laser Ablation

Abstract

Thin films of the high silica zeolite UTD-1 have been prepared by using pulsed laser ablation onto polished silicon and for the first time on porous stainless steel disks. A post hydrothermal treatment of the laser deposited films in a UTD-1 synthesis gel results in oriented crystal growth. Densely packed planklike crystals of UTD-1 grow from the laser deposited film resulting in the ultra-large pores of UTD-1 oriented perpendicular to the support. The oriented UTD-1 membrane grown on porous stainless steel was evaluated for the room temperature separation of a n-heptane/toluene mixture, and selective permeation of the paraffin was observed.