Abstract: SAPO-34 zeolite membranes were synthesized on porous α-Al_2O_3 tubular support by secondary growth method using TEAOH as template. The membranes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and gas permeation tests. XRD patterns showed that the as-synthesized membranes had typical CHA-type zeolite XRD patterns, and no other phase presented. SEM analysis revealed that a thin and compact SAPO-34 layer was formed on α-Al_2O_3 tubular support, the crystals showed well intergrowth, and no pinholes and cracks were observed. At room temperature, with a pressure drop of 0.1 MPa, the ideal and separation selectivity of a SAPO-34 zeolite membrane were 7 and 40, respectively.

Key words: SAPO-34%zeolite membranes%secondary growth%CO_2/CH_4 separation