A thin high-silica MEL membrane was synthesized on a porous alpha-alumina hollow fiber support by a secondary growth approach. The membrane quality was evaluated by permporometry, single-gas permeation and butane isomer separation. Comparison of the pervaporation performance of MEL membranes with a MFI membrane of similar quality and thickness shows that MEL membranes offer a higher flux in ethanol pervaporation at nearly selectivity. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.