CHA-DDR Zeolite Membrane for CO2 Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for manufacturing DDR zeolite membranes are difficult to reproduce and result in membranes with high thickness, limiting their industrial application due to challenges in securing reproducibility and achieving thin film thickness for effective carbon dioxide separation.

Innovation Solution

A CHA-DDR type zeolite membrane is developed, comprising a first layer with a CHA structure and a second layer with a DDR structure, manufactured using a novel method involving hydrothermal synthesis with specific precursor solutions and calcination processes, achieving a thin film thickness of 100 nm to 5 μm and high reproducibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional manufacturing methods are used for DDR zeolite membranes, then the membranes can be produced, but the thickness is high and reproducibility is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemembrane thickness controlVSAvoidreproducibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is divided into two distinct layers: a first layer containing both CHA and DDR structures, and a second layer containing primarily DDR structure. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently - the first layer provides structural foundation and controlled thickness (50-2000 nm), while the second layer provides the desired DDR separation properties (10-2000 nm), achieving both thin overall thickness and high reproducibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite zeolite structure combining CHA and DDR crystal structures in a layered configuration. The CHA-DDR composite membrane leverages the complementary properties of both structures - CHA provides structural stability and template directing capability, while DDR provides the desired gas separation properties, resulting in a membrane with controlled thickness and high reproducibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Length of moving object

If the membrane thickness is reduced to improve separation efficiency, then carbon dioxide separation performance is enhanced, but manufacturing reproducibility becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemembrane thicknessVSAvoidmanufacturing reproducibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first layer is formed first with controlled thickness (50-2000 nm) containing CHA and DDR structures, establishing a stable foundation. Then the second DDR layer is deposited on top (10-2000 nm). This preliminary formation of the first layer with specific thickness control enables the overall membrane to achieve thin thickness (100 nm to 5 μm) while maintaining manufacturing reproducibility through the systematic two-layer approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention controls the thickness parameters of each layer independently - first layer thickness (50-2000 nm) and second layer thickness (10-2000 nm) - allowing precise adjustment of the overall membrane thickness (100 nm to 5 μm). By optimizing these parameters, the membrane achieves both reduced thickness for improved CO2 separation and high manufacturing reproducibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a single-layer DDR membrane is manufactured, then the structure is simple, but the separation performance and reproducibility are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation performanceVSAvoidmembrane structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is segmented into two functional layers with distinct compositions - the first layer contains CHA and DDR structures providing structural foundation and nucleation sites, while the second layer contains primarily DDR structure providing the separation function. This segmentation enhances separation performance and reproducibility while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The CHA-DDR composite structure combines two different zeolite crystal structures in a layered configuration. The CHA phase in the first layer acts as a template and structural support, while the DDR phase in both layers provides the separation functionality, creating a composite material with superior performance compared to single-layer DDR membranes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The CHA-DDR type zeolite membrane exhibits excellent carbon dioxide separation performance with high purity and improved industrial applicability due to its thin thickness and reproducible manufacturing method, enhancing the separation efficiency of mixed gases and biogas upgrading.

Implementation Method 1

CHA-DDR type zeolite membrane having a high permeance and thin thickness

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

zeolites are alumina-silica crystal molecular sieves in which tetrahedrons of SiO4 and AlO4− are combined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMolecular sieve: Molecular Sieve

Implementation Method 3

manufactured using a novel method involving hydrothermal synthesis with specific precursor solutions and calcination processes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrothermal synthesis:

Implementation Method 4

zeolites are alumina-silica crystal molecular sieves in which tetrahedrons of SiO4 and AlO4− are combined in a geometric shape to have a regular three-dimensional framework structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallisation: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 5

manufactured using a novel method involving hydrothermal synthesis with specific precursor solutions and calcination processes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCalcination:

Implementation Method 6

calcination processes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20240367986A1CHA-DDR type zeolite membrane and method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2024.11.07 KOREA UNIV RES & BUSINESS FOUND
  • US20240367986A1 patent drawing
  • US20240367986A1 patent drawing
  • US20240367986A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure may provide a CHA-DDR type zeolite membrane including: a first layer including a CHA structure and a DDR structure; and a second layer which is provided on the first layer and includes a DDR structure, wherein the CHA-DDR type zeolite membrane is in the form of a film having a thickness of 100 nm to 5 μm, including a CHA structure and a DDR structure.