Preparation of oriented zeolite UTD-1 membranes via pulsed laser ablation

Thin films of the high silica zeolite UTD-1 have been prepared by using pul sed laser ablation onto polished silicon and for the first time on porous s tainless steel disks. A post hydrothermal treatment of the laser deposited films in a UTD-1 synthesis gel results in oriented crystal growth. Densely packed planklike crystals of UTD-1 grow from the laser deposited film resul ting in the ultra-large pores of UTD-1 oriented perpendicular to the suppor t. The oriented UTD-1 membrane grown on porous stainless steel was evaluate d for the room temperature separation of a n-heptane/toluene mixture, and s elective permeation of the paraffin was observed.