Application of zeolite-filled pervaporation membrane

Composite hydrophilic membranes, consisting of KA, NaA, CaA, and NaX zeolites and polyvinylalcohol polymer were prepared. The pervaporation and separation characteristics of different alcohol-water systems through these membranes were investigated at temperatures ranging from 20 to 50 degrees C. Distinct improvement on molecular transport and the molecular sieving effect of the zeolites have been observed, Pervaporation-aided catalytic esterification of acetic acid with ethanol and salicylic acid with methanol have been carried out in a membrane reactor, leading to a considerable increase in conversion and a reduction in reaction time as a result of continuous removal of water through the membrane, Acetone-water separation by pervaporation on KA- and CaA-filled polyvinylalcohol membrane has been studied as well, which gives even better separation results than that of the ethanol-water system, Application of the zeolite-filled pervaporation membrane to the methanol-acetone condensation reaction also promotes the reaction.