Zeolite membrane reactors: from preparation to application in heterogeneous catalytic reactions

Abstract

Chemical reactions are some of the most crucial processes in industry for creating various important products. Coupling a chemical reaction with membrane separation, also known as a membrane reactor (MR), has been demonstrated in numerous studies, and it has been shown that this strategy can successfully meet the goal of process intensification. Among the membrane materials used, crystalline zeolites display various advantages due to their tailorable pore sizes and physicochemical properties. The traditional applications of zeolite membranes in reactors can be advanced, as zeolites may catalytically convert molecules in a selective manner during equilibrium-controlled reactions. Zeolite membrane reactors (ZMRs) can withstand harsh conditions, allowing their operation over wide ranges of temperature and pressure. This paper reviews various aspects of ZMRs comprehensively, including separation performance, catalytic activity, preparation methods, and potential applications in various reactions. In addition, the final part of this paper also discusses a comparative study of zeolites with metal–organic frameworks to anticipate the future of ZMRs.