Abstract
Zeolite-embedded membranes belong to the family of composite selective barriers (also referred as mixed matrix membranes (MMMs)), which are typically obtained by dispersing zeolite crystals in a bulk matrix, usually a polymer film (Bastani et al. 2013). Zeolite-filled MMMs have been intensively studied from the early 1970s as a strategy to overcome the permeability/selectivity trade-off of conventional polymeric membranes. The basic idea was to obtain a synergic effect by combining the high selectivity and permeability of zeolites with the attractive mechanical properties and economical processability of polymers. These membranes were intensively considered for difficult gas separations or pervaporation but also as interface contactors and in fuel cell applications (Jeong et al. 2010; Zornoza et al. 2011; Tricoli and Nannetti 2003). The key point of membrane efficiency bears on the selection of a relevant zeolite/polymer coupling, thus providing a good quality interfacial contact...