Locking of phase transition in MOF ZIF-7: improved selectivity in mixed-matrix membranes for O2/N2 separation. Issue 1 (6th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xiang, Long; Liu, Donghui; Jin, Hua; Xu, Long-Wei; Wang, Chongqing; Xu, Shutao; Pan, Yichang; Li, Yanshuo
• Is Part Of: Materials horizons. Volume 7:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 223
• Page End: 228
• Publication Date: 2019-09-06
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/c9mh00409b
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-6347

Abstract

Abstract : The framework flexibility of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is beneficial for gas storage and adsorption but is disadvantageous to the separation process based on the size-extrusion mechanism. Abstract : The framework flexibility of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is beneficial for gas storage and adsorption but is disadvantageous to the separation process based on the size-extrusion mechanism. Herein, the framework flexibility of ZIF-7, a typical MOF famous for its phase transition between wide-pore (ZIF-7-I) and narrow-pore (ZIF-7-II) forms on desolvation, was successfully hindered by embedding MOF nanocrystals in the rigid polymer matrix. For the first time, it was experimentally demonstrated that ZIF-7 could be "locked" in the wide-pore phase (ZIF-7-I) even after complete desolvation. A mixed-matrix membrane containing ZIF-7-I nanocrystals and rigid polyimides showed O2 permeability of 3 Barrer and O2 /N2 selectivity of 15, surpassing the state-of-the-art upper limit for O2 /N2 and falling in the commercially attractive region. In view of the weak competitive interaction between O2 /N2 and hybrid membrane materials, similar permeation results were also found for the separation of equal-molar O2 /N2 binary mixtures.