Abstract: The efficient separation of propane and propene represents a critical and persistent technological challenge in the chemical industry. The traditional high-pressure and low-temperature distillation process has inherent defects such as low efficiency and high energy consumption due to their similar physical properties. The separation technology based on zeolite adsorbents, with its advantages of low energy consumption, high selectivity and process flexibility, is regarded as a promising alternative solution. This paper reviews the innovative research progress of zeolite adsorbents for the separation of propane and propene. Starting from the differences in the physicochemical properties of propane and propene, it deeply analyzes the feasible strategies and action mechanisms for efficient separation. Focusing on two major technical routes of equilibrium adsorption separation and non-equilibrium adsorption separation, the paper comprehensively summarizes zeolite modification strategies such as metal ion modification, surface chemical modification, and multi-level pore construction, as well as their structure-performance relationships. Finally, based on current research, it is noted that developing low-cost zeolite synthesis and modification strategies, deepening the microscopic elucidation of adsorption mechanisms, and expanding into complex multi-component separation systems are key development directions for future research.

Key words: propane, propylene, zeolite, adsorption, separation