Résumé
This chapter provides a general overview of the present state of the art in zeolite membranes. It covers zeolite membrane preparation, characterization, and main applications, while referring to the recent literature. The unique properties of zeolites coupled with the continuous separation properties of membranes makes zeolite membranes attractive for a wide variety of industrial applications. Zeolite membranes clearly demonstrated high efficiency to carry out separations that are not attainable by conventional methods. However, to make the zeolite membranes a viable option, improvements are needed in reducing membrane defects and manufacturing costs but also in enhancing reproducibility and operational stability. A number of synthesis process variables have been clearly identified that control the final characteristics of the membranes. The development of reliable models to forecast multi-component permeation in zeolite membranes and to predict the influence of structure imperfections on molecular mass transport is an important challenge for supporting the development of high performance membranes for the industrial praxis.