Robust Bimetallic Ultramicroporous Metal-Organic Framework for Separation and Purification of Noble Gases

Noble gases, especially krypton (Kr) and xenon (Xe), are widely applied in diverse fields. Developing new techniques and adsorbents to separate and purify Kr and Xe is in high demand. Herein, we reported a bimetallic metal-organic framework (MOF) (NKMOF-1-Ni) which possesses a narrow pore size (5.36 Å) and ultrahigh stability (e.g., stable in water for 1.5 years). Gas sorption measurements revealed that this MOF possessed much higher uptake for Xe than for Kr, Ar, or N₂ at room temperature in all pressure ranges. The calculation of adsorption isosteric heat and Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulation verified that NKMOF-1-Ni had a stronger interaction with Xe than other tested gases. The results of ideal adsorbed solution theory selectivity and simulated breakthrough further showed that NKMOF-1-Ni had an outstanding separation performance of Xe/Kr, Xe/Ar, and Xe/N₂. This study provides important guidance for future research to synthesize ideal sorbents to separate noble gases.