Incorporation of zeolites into composite matrices

Abstract Zeolites KNaA and NaX were incorporated into composite matrix materials having organic and inorganic components. These composite materials were coated onto glass substrates, cured, and tested for nitrogen adsorption. Uptake capacities were always significantly higher for the NaX zeolite films compared to the KNaA zeolite films, as expected, due the zeolite pore sizes relative to the nitrogen molecule. Both thermal curing and UV curing were used in this study to initiate the crosslinking reactions that created the matrices. IR spectra demonstrated that some of the matrix materials bonded to the zeolite surfaces, whereas some did not. Post-synthesis oxidative degradation treatments were shown to affect the nitrogen uptake capacity. Thus, the choice of zeolite, the composition of the matrix materials, and post-synthesis treatments can all be used to tailor the effective pore dimensions of the composite film for subsequent separations or sensor applications.