Silicalite membrane and method for the selective recovery and concentration of acetone and butanol from model ABE solutions and fermentation broth

摘要

Silicalite, silicalite filled polymer membrane, and process for the selective adsorption of acetone and butanol from aqueous solutions thereof. The silicalite, silicalite filled polymer membrane, and process are particularly suited to the removal of acetone and butanol from Clostridium acetobutylicum fermentation media in that the membrane is not fouled by the fermentation media and may be used without removing the cells from the fermentation media. The silicalite and silicalite filled polymer membrane show excellent selectivity to the adsorption of acetone and butanol relative to the ethanol, acetic acid, and butyric acid components of the fermentation media.