CHA Zeolite Membrane Composite for Acid-Resistant High-Flux Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing zeolite membrane composites for separating water-containing organic compounds lack sufficient selectivity and durability, particularly in terms of acid resistance and permeation flux.

Innovation Solution

A porous support-zeolite membrane composite with specific permeance and permeability values, a controlled SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio, and optimized X-ray diffraction patterns is developed, featuring a CHA-type zeolite membrane with controlled crystal orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If zeolite membrane composites are used for separating water-containing organic compounds, then separation selectivity is improved, but durability and acid resistance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation selectivityVSAvoiddurability and acid resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a porous support and a zeolite membrane layer. The porous support provides mechanical strength and durability, while the zeolite membrane layer provides high separation selectivity. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The zeolite membrane layer is formed with specific local characteristics including controlled SiO2/Al2O3 ratio, crystal orientation, and thickness. These localized quality controls enhance both separation performance and acid resistance without compromising overall durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If zeolite membrane composites are used for separation, then separation performance is improved, but permeation flux is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation performanceVSAvoidpermeation flux
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes several parameters including SiO2/Al2O3 ratio, membrane thickness, and crystal orientation to achieve both high separation performance and adequate permeation flux. By carefully controlling these parameters, the membrane maintains selectivity while allowing sufficient throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention addresses permeation flux limitations by considering the membrane in multiple dimensions - controlling thickness in the vertical dimension while optimizing surface area in the horizontal dimension. This multi-dimensional approach allows improved flux without sacrificing separation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of energy

If zeolite membrane composites are used for concentration, then energy efficiency is improved, but applicability range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidapplicability range
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The zeolite membrane composite is designed with universal applicability by selecting zeolite types and compositions that can handle various substances including water-containing organic compounds, gases, and different molecular sizes. The same basic structure serves multiple separation functions across different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 composite achieves enhanced separation performance and acid resistance, effectively separating and concentrating water-containing organic mixtures with improved permeation flux and reduced defects.

Implementation Method 1

membrane separation using zeolite membranes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMembrane separation: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 2

adsorbent-based separation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

membrane separation using zeolite membranes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMembrane separation: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 4

membrane separation using zeolite membranes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMembrane separation: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 5

X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: X-Ray

Implementation Method 6

X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP4691614A1Porous support-zeolite film composite, method for producing purified component, and method for producing purified organic compound
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 MITSUBISHI CHEM CORP
  • EP4691614A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4691614A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4691614A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a porous support-zeolite membrane composite having excellent separation performance. A porous support-zeolite membrane composite in accordance with an aspect of the present invention has a CF4 permeance of not more than 5.0 × 10-9 mol/(m2·s·Pa), and the zeolite membrane has a thickness of not more than 15 µm.