Microporous silica and doped silica membrane for alcohol dehydration by pervaporation Original Research Article

The aim of this work is the development of inorganic membranes that will enable broad application of pervaporation/vapour permeation technology in the chemical industry. This can be achieved by improvement of the existing microporous membranes and the development of new types with enhanced thermochemical stability and separation characteristics. The materials in the system, SiO2Al2O3TiO2ZrO2MgO, were investigated with respect to their chemical stability and pervaporation performance in alcohol dehydration processes. It was found that, depending on the nature and amount of dopant, composite membranes with improved pervaporation characteristics and chemical stability were obtained.