A mini review on the potential of zeolite membrane for pervaporation

Traditional separation techniques for mixtures containing organic compounds and solvents are energy-intensive and expensive. Pervaporation (PV) is a membrane separation technique that has emerged as a more efficient and energy-saving alternative. Inorganic membranes, particularly zeolite-based are considered effective for PV owing to their uniform pore sizes that facilitate the separation of molecules based on the adsorption and diffusion characteristics. This property makes them exceptionally suitable for separating liquid mixtures through PV. Besides the use in removal of water from organic compounds, zeolite membranes are now being explored for various applications, including extracting organics from water, separating complex organic mixtures, and isolating water from acids. This mini review delves into the potential of zeolite membranes for PV. It explores the fundamental principles of PV using various types of zeolite membranes and examines the transport mechanisms governing the process. Finally, the review highlights upcoming advancements in zeolite membrane technology for PV, emphasizing the future potential of this promising field.