Abstract
Zeolite membranes offer superior thermal, chemical, and mechanical stability compared to polymeric membranes. However, it is still a challenge to prepare completely defect‐free membranes without any intercrystalline voids, which is necessary for gas separation processes. In this study zeolite beta (*BEA) membranes on stainless‐steel supports were prepared by applying the multiple in situ crystallization technique. The membranes were used as a model system to systematically study the decomposition of the organic structure directing agent tetraethylammoniumhydroxide (TEA‐OH). It was evaluated if the organic decomposition products of TEA‐OH can be used for enhancing the membranes selectivity. Post‐treatment experiments have been carried out to adjust surface properties and pore size dimensions in the zeolitic membrane layer. The results show that membranes calcined at lower temperatures exhibit a higher gas selectivity.
A defect‐free membrane is necessary to obtain high selectivities for gas separation processes. Therefore, the residues of the organic template from the decomposition were used to close defects in the zeolite membrane (cracks, grain boundaries) and to modify the membrane's inner surface with carbon and functional groups, e.g., amino‐groups.