Preparation of silicalite-1 microtube arrays supported on cordierite honeycomb by using palm fibers as templates

Abstract

Abstract Preparation of silicalite-1 hollow fibers and silicalite-1 microtube arrays grown in the cells of the cordierite honeycomb using palm fibers as the templates was presented. XRD, SEM, nitrogen adsorption-desorption and ultrasonic vibration were used to characterize the silicalite-1/palm fiber and silicalite-1 microtube arrays /cordierite honeycomb composites. It was found that a layer of uniform silicalite-1 film was grown on the palm fiber after 18 h of hydrothermal synthesis. When a single palm fiber was immersed in the synthesis solution, single silicalite-1 hollow fiber with an inner diameter of ca. 230 μm was formed after syntheses for 2 cycles and remove-off of the template. By inserting a bundle of palm fibers into the cells of the honeycomb, silicalite-1 microtube arrays could be fabricated in the cells of the honeycomb through hydrothermal synthesis and after easily removing the palm fibers. The loadings of silicalite-1 on the honeycomb were as high as 91 and 117 g silicalite-1/ 100 g honeycomb after 2 and 3 cycles of hydrothermal syntheses, respectively. Ultrasonic vibration test results indicated that the composite was mechanically strong enough.