The strategy explored in this work consisted in the preparation
of nano-sized silicalite-1 and Ti-silicalite-1 seeds (S-1, TS-1) and
their further application as inorganic fillers in the development of
novel porous PVDF-MFI membranes (MMMs) potentially applicable
as VOC adsorbers/contactors to remove VOCs traces from gas
streams. The PVDF polymer was selected due to its hydrophobic
properties compatible with the organophilic S-1 and TS-1 zeolite
seeds which exhibit a high adsorption capacity for different VOCs,
including hydrocarbons. The PVDF porous membrane structure was
assumed as an attractive feature for increasing the membrane flux,
while allowing VOCs adsorption by the zeolite particles. The key
aspects of the selected synthesis protocol involved the possibility to
prepare sufficiently mechanical resistant (PVDF-MFI) membranes
with a high loading of homogeneously dispersed nano-sized zeolite
seeds having high active surface area. The results, in terms of
hexane removal, confirm that these highly loaded MMMs prepared
from microwave derived seeds are remarkably active materials
potentially adapted for elimination of VOCs traces from waste air
environment.