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SAPO-34 membranes for xenon capture from air
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

SAPO-34 membranes for xenon capture from air

Ting Wu, Jolie Lucero, James M. Crawford, Michael A. Sinnwell, Praveen K. Thallapally and Moises A. Carreon
Journal of membrane science, Vol.573(C), pp.288-292
03/01/2019
DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2018.12.021
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2018.12.021View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Capturing Xe from gas mixtures represents one of the most challenging molecular gas separations. In this communication, we demonstrate the ability of a zeolite membrane, denoted as SAPO-34, to effectively capture Xe from air. Specifically, SAPO-34 membranes showed air permeances as high as 2.3 × 10−7 mol/m2 s Pa (690 GPU) and separation selectivities as high as 30.1 for a molar feed of 9:1 air/Xe. Molecular sieving, competitive adsorption, and diffusivity differences played a critical role in the overall separation performance. Membranes were air selective due to favorable molecular sieving and differences in diffusivity between gases present in the air mixture and Xe. Molecular sieving and diffusivity differences were identified as the dominant separation mechanisms. The high air permeances and separation selectivities make these membranes highly appealing as a potentially less energy intensive alternative to cryogenic distillation, the benchmark technology used to separate these gases. •SAPO-34 membranes effectively captured Xenon from air.•These membranes showed air permeances as high as 690 GPU and separation selectivities as high as 30.1.•Diffusivity differences and molecular sieving were the two dominant molecular separation mechanisms.•Xenon preferential adsorption was identified as a strong competing separation mechanism.
 Membranes Air Molecular Separation Xenon Zeolites

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