Preparation of tubular silicalite membranes by hydrothermal synthesis with electrophoretic deposition (EPD) as a seeding technique was investigated. Two micrometers of small silicalite seeds were produced by an open-system hydrothermal synthesis at 100 degrees C. These seeds were dispersed in 1-propanol and seeded on porous tubular stainless-steel supports by EPD; it had a high productivity and uniformity. The seeded support was then hydrothermally treated, and a tubular silicalite membrane was obtained. The pervaporation performance of this membrane showed a separation factor a of 70 with a total flux of 0.35 kg. (m(2) - h)(-1) for a 5 vol% EtOH aqueous solution at 30 degrees C.
