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.