INORGANIC THIN FILMS Sandia National Laboratories is developing inorganic thin films based in zeolitic materials as advanced membranes for chemical feedstock and light gas separations. The Laboratories have demonstrated the growth of oriented zeolite thin films on porous supports, new zeolite phases with adjustable porosity, and new chiral zeolitic phases using a multidisciplinary approach. It combines high performance computational modeling and simulation of porous materials and pore diffusion coupled with unique expertise in synthesis and growth of novel zeolite thin films on porous supports. We have demonstrated the capability to test and validate performance for a wide range of separations and the ability to leverage expertise in sol-gel chemistry and thin film deposition as well as high performance computing capabilities. Important applications are in the chemical, refining, and pharmaceutical industries. Potential Benefits There is potential for new products, improved processes, opportunities for direct couplingof separations to high temperature processes, and energy savings waste avoidance. Demonstrated Achievements We have completed several tasks: modeling and simulation of small gas diffusion through a variety of porous materials; development of new oriented zeolite thin films and novel defect-free zeolite/sol-gel composite thin films. We have a versatile synthetic approach to porous inorganic membranes. We have shown new tailored zinc phosphate zeolite phases with adjustable pore sizes, and characterized new chiral zeolite phases. Follow-up This proprietary Sandia capability may be applied to solve challenging problems in the field of polymer and other organic sciences. Sandia has the flexibility to form specific teams of technical experts from any or all of the above capabilities to focus expertise on specific technical challenges. We are interested in making this technology available to companies responsive to partnering with Sandia to develop near/term and/or future applications via licensing or cooperative development agreements. For further information, please respond by mail or fax to Joanne Trujillo no later than December 28, 1998 at: Sandia National Laboratories, MS 1380, P. O. Box 5800, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-1380. Fax: (505) 843-4163. Please indicate the date and title of this CBD notice. E-MAIL: Joanne Trujillo, jmtruji@sandia.gov. Posted 12/14/98 (W-SN280077).

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