Rational design of mixed-matrix metal-organic framework membranes for molecular separations

SJ Datta and A Mayoral and NMS Bettahalli and PM Bhatt and M Karunakaran and ID Carja and D Fan and PGM Mileo and R Semino and G Maurin and O Terasaki and M Eddaoudi, SCIENCE, 376, 1080-+ (2022).

DOI: 10.1126/science.abe0192

Conventional separation technologies to separate valuable commodities are energy intensive, consuming 15% of the worldwide energy. Mixed- matrix membranes, combining processable polymers and selective adsorbents, offer the potential to deploy adsorbent distinct separation properties into processable matrix. We report the rational design and construction of a highly efficient, mixed-matrix metal-organic framework membrane based on three interlocked criteria: (i) a fluorinated metal- organic framework, AlFFIVE-1-Ni, as a molecular sieve adsorbent that selectively enhances hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide diffusion while excluding methane; (ii) tailoring crystal morphology into nanosheets with maximally exposed (001) facets; and (iii) in-plane alignment of (001) nanosheets in polymer matrix and attainment of 001-orientedmembrane. The membrane demonstrated exceptionally high hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide separation from natural gas under practical working conditions. This approach offers great potential to translate other key adsorbents into processable matrix.

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