| abstract |
A modified zeolite or molecular sieve membrane for separation of materials on a molecular scale. The modified membrane is fabricated to wholly or partially block regions between zeolite crystals to inhibit transfer of larger molecules through the membrane, but without blocking or substantially inhibiting transfer of small molecules through pores in the crystalline structure. The modified membrane has a monomolecular layer deposited on the zeolite surface which has coordinated groups of atoms that include (i) a metal atom bonded to oxygen atoms that are bonded to the zeolite substrate atoms (e.g., silicon atoms) and (ii) either hydroxyl groups bonded to the metal atoms or additional oxygen atoms bonded to the metal atoms. |