| abstract |
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a substantially thin, substantially continuous zeolite crystal layer, coated on at least one surface and associated pores of a porous ceramic material, substantially coated thereon. A supported zeolite structure comprising a sintered monolithic porous ceramic substrate. The zeolite crystal layer is composed of one layer of zeolite crystals and does not include any of the layers that increase growth, the layers that increase selectivity, or the repair layer, whereby the crystals exhibit a substantially cylindrical cross section. 1 shows an alignment structure. Preferably, the support of the porous ceramic substrate comprises, based on the analyzed oxide, 10-90% by weight of alumina, and a crystal selected from the group consisting of cordierite, mullite, alumina, and / or mixtures thereof. 3 shows a phase aggregate. A method for forming the zeolite membrane disclosed herein is also provided. The method generally includes providing a porous ceramic substrate and hydrothermally treating the substrate with an aqueous solution containing sodium oxide or sodium hydroxide and having an alumina concentration of less than about 0.01%. Due to these reaction conditions, the pH of the solution, the treatment time and the temperature are such that a portion of the alumina in the substrate dissolves and substantially no nuclei are formed in the solution, so that the Is such that a substantially continuous zeolite grows. |