High-silica CHA zeolite membranes are highly desired for natural gas upgrading because of their separation performance in combination with superior mechanical and chemical stability. However, the narrow synthesis condition range significantly constrains scale-up preparation. Herein, we propose a facile interzeolite conversion approach using the FAU zeolite to prepare SSZ-13 zeolite seeds, featuring a shorter induction and a longer crystallization period of the membrane synthesis on hollow fiber substrates. The membrane thickness was constant at ~3 μm over a wide span of synthesis time (24-96 h), while the selectivity (separation efficiency) was easily improved by extending the synthesis time without compromising permeance (throughput). At 0.2 MPa feed pressure and 303 K, the membranes showed an average CO2 permeance of (5.2±0.5)×10−7 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1 (1530 GPU), with an average CO2/CH4 mixture selectivity of 143±7. Minimal defects ensure a high selectivity of 126 with a CO2 permeation flux of 0.4 mol m−2 s−1 at 6.1 MPa feed pressure, far surpassing requirements for industrial applications. The feasibility for successful scale-up of our approach was further demonstrated by the batch synthesis of 40 cm-long hollow fiber SSZ-13 zeolite membranes exhibiting CO2/CH4 mixture selectivity up to 400 (0.2 MPa feed pressure and 303 K) without using sweep gas.@en

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are superior sorbents for water adsorption-based applications. The unique step-like water isotherm at a MOF-specific relative pressure allows easy loading and regeneration over a small range of temperature and pressure conditions. With good hydrothermal stability and cyclic durability, it stands out over classical sorbents used in applications for humidity control, water harvesting, and adsorption-based heating and cooling. These are easily regenerated at moderate temperatures using “waste” heat or solar heating. The isotherm thermodynamics and adsorption mechanisms are described, and the presence of MOFs in the water–air system is explained. Based on six selection criteria ≈40 reported MOFs and one COF are identified for potential application. Trends and approaches in further synthesis optimization and production scale-up are highlighted. No-MOF-fits-all, each MOF has its own specific step location matching only with a certain application type. Most applications are technically feasible and demonstrated on the bench-scale or small pilot. Their maturity is benchmarked by their technology readiness level. Retrofitting existing applications with MOFs replacing classical desiccants may lead to rapid demonstration. Studies on techno-economic analysis and life cycle analysis are required for a rational evaluation of the feasibility of promising applications.

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Zeolite membranes are highly attractive in energy efficient, selective separation technologies. Their high selectivity originates from selective adsorption, diffusion and even molecular sieving. High flux zeolite membranes (> 1 mol s⁻¹m⁻²) with a sub-micrometer thickness are mechanically stabilized by a porous, often multilayer, support. Transport mechanisms in zeolite layer and support, however, are counteracting regarding selectivity, and a support may also act as a flux resistance. Several examples are analyzed quantifying the impact of the support on the observed performance, showing the effect of layer thickness, orientation of the asymmetric membrane and operational conditions, resulting in recommendations for the configuration of zeolite membrane modules.

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Capture and storage of the long-lived ⁸⁵Kr is an efficient approach to mitigate the emission of volatile radionuclides from the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities. However, it is challenging to separate krypton (Kr) from xenon (Xe) because of the chemical inertness and similar physical properties. Herein we prepared high-silica CHA zeolite membranes with ultra-high selectivity and irradiation stability for Kr/Xe separation. The suitable aperture size and rigid framework endures the membrane a strong size-exclusion effect. The ultrahigh selectivity of 51–152 together with the Kr permeance of 0.7–1.3×10⁻⁸ mol m⁻² s⁻¹ Pa⁻¹ of high-silica CHA zeolite membranes far surpass the state-of-the-art polymeric membranes. The membrane is among the most stable polycrystalline membranes for separation of humid Kr/Xe mixtures. Together with the excellent irradiation stability, high-silica CHA zeolite membranes pave the way to separate radioactive Kr from Xe for a notable reduction of the volatile nuclear waste storage volume.

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