Microporous SAPO-34 molecular sieves were synthesized employing polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, and methylene blue as crystal growth inhibitors. The synthesized SAPO-34 crystals displayed BET surface areas up to 700 m(2)/g, high CO2/CH4 adsorption ratios, and small crystal size in the similar to 0.6-0.9,mu m range with narrow particle size distribution. The enhanced CO2/CH4 adsorption capacities were related to the high N/H ratios observed in the phases prepared in the presence of crystal growth inhibitors. The synthesized SAPO-34 crystals may find potential applications to prepare membranes for CO2 purification.