Oriented Zeolite Membrane Composite for High-Purity Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing zeolite membrane composites have limitations in separation performance, necessitating the development of more efficient methods for producing purified components.

Innovation Solution

A zeolite membrane composite is designed with specific X-ray diffraction patterns indicating high orientation of zeolite crystals, characterized by integrated intensity ratios of peaks at 2θ=9.6°, 2θ=20.8°, and 2θ=16.8°, and an SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of 6 to 500, enhancing separation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional zeolite membrane composites are used, then production of purified components can be achieved, but separation performance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation performanceVSAvoidpurification efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio within 6-500 and specifying the integrated intensity ratio of XRD peaks (2θ=9.6°)/(2θ=20.8°) to be 6.0 or more. These parameter optimizations directly improve the crystalline orientation and density of the zeolite membrane, thereby enhancing separation performance while maintaining efficient purification throughput

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by forming a zeolite membrane layer on an inorganic porous support. This composite structure combines the separation capabilities of zeolite crystals with the mechanical strength and porosity of the support, achieving both high separation performance and maintained productivity in purification processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If zeolite membrane composite is designed with high orientation crystals, then separation performance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the manufacturing approach by specifying target parameter ranges: SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of 6-500 and integrated intensity ratio of 6.0 or more. By controlling these parameters during formation, the zeolite membrane achieves high crystalline orientation without requiring complex manufacturing processes, thus improving separation performance while managing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 high separation performance by ensuring a dense zeolite membrane structure with reduced defects, resulting in improved purification capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

causing one component contained in a mixture of gases or liquids to pass through a zeolite membrane of a zeolite membrane composite so that the one component is separated from the mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

an integrated intensity of a peak at or around 2θ=9.6° is 6.0 times or more an integrated intensity of a peak at or around 2θ=20.8° in an X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by irradiating a surface of the zeolite membrane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP4691613A1Zeolite membrane composite and method for producing purified component
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 MITSUBISHI CHEM CORP
  • EP4691613A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4691613A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4691613A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a zeolite membrane composite having high separation performance. A zeolite membrane composite in accordance with an aspect of the present invention has an inorganic porous support and a zeolite membrane which is formed on a surface of the inorganic porous support. In an X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by irradiating a surface of the zeolite membrane with X-rays at the minimum incident angle that allows the X-rays to pass through the zeolite membrane, an integrated intensity of a peak at or around 2θ=9.6° is 6.0 times or more an integrated intensity of a peak at or around 2θ=20.8°.