Zeolite-polymer nanocomposite membranes have received much attention, because these mixed matrix membrane materials may offer superior performance by taking advantage of the processability of polymers and the selectivity of zeolite crystals. In our research, we are interested in developing sodalite-polymer nanocomposite membranes for gas separation.

Sodalite has a framework consisting of a six-membered ring aperture with a pore size of 2.8 Å, and only allows very small molecules (e.g. H₂) to enter its channels. In order to develop high-selectivity and high-flux sodalite-polymer nanocomposite membranes for hydrogen separation, template-free sodalite nanocrystals with organic functional groups, which would enhance interfacial compatibility of inorganic sodalite materials with the chosen polymer, are required. In our previous research, we have successfully synthesized hydroxy-sodalite nanocrystals with amino organic functional groups (i.e. =Si–(CH₃)(CH₂)₃NH₂, denoted Sod-N) by the direct transformation of organic-functionalized silicalite nanocrystals.

This presentation focuses on the fabrication and characterization of sodalite-polymer nanocomposite membranes prepared by using organic functionalized sodalite nanocrystals. In particular, the emphasis will be placed on testing the membranes in hydrogen separation from other gas molecules (e.g. N₂, CO₂ or CO).