In Situ Modification of Metal-Organic Frameworks in Mixed-Matrix Membranes

Processable films of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been long sought to advance the application of MOFs in various technologies from separations to catalysis. Herein, MOF-polymer mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) are described, formed on several substrates using a wide variety of MOF materials. These MMMs can be delaminated from their substrates to create free-standing MMMs that are mechanically stable and pliable. The MOFs in these MMMs remain highly crystalline, porous, and accessible for further chemical modification through postsynthetic modification (PSM) and postsynthetic exchange (PSE) processes. Overall, the findings here demonstrate a versatile approach to preparing stable functional MMMs that should contribute significantly to the advancement of these materials.