Silicalite-1Molecular Sieve Membrane
Silicalite-1 molecular sieve membranes are inorganic separation materials built on a pure-silica MFI (ZSM-5) framework with a pore aperture of approximately 0.55 nm, enabling exceptionally high molecular-sieving selectivity. With a fully siliceous skeleton, these membranes exhibit pronounced hydrophobicity and organophilicity, together with outstanding thermal and chemical stability. They are primarily deployed for dehydration of organic compounds (e.g., ethanol and isopropanol) in pervaporation, and for separating organic isomers with closely matched boiling points or molecular structures - delivering high-selectivity, high-flux separation under demanding operating conditions.
Performance Snapshot
Pore Aperture
0.55 nm
MFI framework topology
Separation Factor
>=20
n-/iso-butane system
Permeance
300-800 GPU
Tubular membrane, n-butane
Core Engineering Features
Advanced technological implementations defining the next generation of membrane performance.
Hydrophobicity and Organophilicity
The fully siliceous framework imparts strong hydrophobicity and organophilicity, yielding superior selective permeation in water-containing organic mixtures - particularly suited to organic-solvent dehydration processes.
Superior Thermal and Chemical Stability
The all-silica inorganic framework supports long-term operation under harsh conditions including elevated temperature, strong acids, strong bases, and organic solvents - with service life significantly exceeding that of organic polymeric membranes.
High-Selectivity Molecular Sieving
Uniform ~0.55 nm apertures aligned with MFI channel geometry enable efficient separation of size-similar molecules such as n-/iso-alkanes and aromatic isomers, with separation factors of 20 or higher.
High-Flux Continuous Operation
Multi-channel modules deliver up to 0.2-0.45 m2 membrane area per element and packing densities of 200-400 m2/m3 - providing industrial-scale throughput while maintaining high separation selectivity.
Process Architecture
Module Architecture and Separation Mechanism
Built on an MFI-framework pure-silica skeleton, separation is achieved by size-exclusion through uniform ~0.55 nm channels acting on n-/iso-isomers. Tubular and multi-channel configurations address different plant scales, with installed membrane areas from 0.7 to 16.2 m2 - suited to hydrocarbon isomer separation and dehydration in acidic organic solvent systems.
- check_circle~0.55 nm pore aperture; MFI (ZSM-5) framework topology
- check_circleTubular: 0.037 m2 membrane area per element (1 m length); packing density 50-80 m2/m3
- check_circleMulti-channel: 19 / 37 / 61 channels; packing density 200-400 m2/m3
Technical Specifications
Standard specifications for tubular and multi-channel molecular sieve membranes under reference test conditions.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Membrane dimensions (ID / OD / length), mm | 8 / 12 / 500-1000 |
| Membrane dimensions (ID / OD / length), mm | 2-4 / 30-40 / 500-1000 |
| Number of channels | Single channel |
| Number of channels | 19 / 37 / 61 |
| Membrane area per element (1 m length), m2 | 0.037 |
| Membrane area per element (1 m length), m2 | 0.2-0.45 |
| Installed membrane area, m2 | 0.7-1.9 |
| Installed membrane area, m2 | 3.8-16.2 |
| Packing density, m2/m3 | 50-80 |
| Packing density, m2/m3 | 200-400 |
| n-Butane permeance | 300-800 GPU |
| n-Butane permeance | 150-800 GPU |
| n-/iso-Butane separation factor | >=20 |
| Applicable systems | Hydrocarbon isomer separationdehydration of acidic organic solvents |
Technical FAQ & Resources
Common engineering inquiries and essential documentation for integration planning.
Under recommended operating conditions, the pure-silica MFI framework provides excellent thermal and chemical stability, typically supporting 3-5 years or more of continuous operation. Periodic module regeneration (e.g., high-temperature calcination or solvent flushing) helps restore permeation performance and extend service life.
Tubular membranes offer a simpler geometry and ease of cleaning - suited to laboratory, pilot-scale, or feeds containing particulates. Multi-channel modules provide larger membrane area per element (0.2-0.45 m2) and higher packing density (200-400 m2/m3), making them preferable for industrial continuous production where throughput is the primary requirement.
Typical applications include separation of hydrocarbon isomers such as n-/iso-butane, n-/iso-pentane/cyclopentane, and n-hexane/dimethylpentane/trimethylpentane; o-xylene/p-xylene separation; and dehydration of organics such as ethanol and isopropanol via pervaporation.
Yes. The Silicalite-1 framework is fully siliceous and exhibits good chemical stability in acidic organic solvent environments, tolerating moderate concentrations of organic acids. Prolonged exposure to strongly alkaline media is not recommended, as it may cause framework hydrolysis.