Abstract
Ag–exchanged X–type zeolite membrane has been developed for olefin/paraffin mixture separation. Preparation method, separation property, and separation mechanism of Ag–X membrane were investigated. Olefins preferentially adsorb on and penetrate through Ag–X membrane through the contribution of strong interaction between Ag cation and olefins’π–electron. Paraffin permeation is inhibited due to the occupation of micropores by adsorbed olefins. Ag–X membrane exhibited the maximum propylene selectivity of 70 with the permeance of 4.5 × 10–8 mol m–2 s–1 Pa–1 at 353 K for a propylene/propane (50 : 50) mixture. Ag–X membrane also showed stable permselectivity over 7000 h for propylene/propane separation.
