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Solution processable metal-organic frameworks for mixed matrix membranes using porous liquids.
Alexander Knebel1,2, Anastasiya Bavykina3, Shuvo Jit Datta4
1Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany. alexander.knebel@kit.edu.
Nature Materials
|August 12, 2020
Summary
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) become solution-processable through surface functionalization, enabling their use in advanced materials. This innovation leads to high-performance membranes for gas separation applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Crystalline porous solids offer unique properties for applications like catalysis and gas separation.
- Limited processability of these materials hinders widespread technological adoption compared to polymers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop solution-processable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).
- To enhance the application of MOFs in areas requiring processability, such as membrane technology.
Main Methods:
- Outer surface functionalization of zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF-67 nanoparticles using N-heterocyclic carbene ligands.
- Stabilization of dispersions to create type III porous liquids.
- Fabrication of mixed matrix membranes by incorporating functionalized MOFs into polymers.
Main Results:
- Achieved solution processability for ZIF-67 nanoparticles via selective surface functionalization.
- Created stable, porous liquid dispersions exhibiting permanent porosity.
- Developed high-performance mixed matrix membranes with excellent mechanical properties for propylene/propane separation.
Conclusions:
- Outer surface functionalization is an effective strategy to render MOFs solution-processable.
- The developed porous liquids and membranes show significant potential for industrial gas separation processes.
- This approach is extendable to other MOFs and diverse technological applications.
