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A monolithic composite based on zeolite-like metal-organic framework@divinylbenzene polymer separates azeotropic
Kareem Yusuf1, Osama Shekhah2, Ahmad Aqel1
1Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
Journal of Chromatography. A
|March 17, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a novel composite monolithic column for gas chromatography (GC) using zeolite-like metal-organic framework (sod-ZMOF) nanoparticles and Divinylbenzene polymer (DVB). The new column significantly enhances separation resolution for small molecules and gases, offering high reproducibility and fast analysis.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Organic monolithic columns are primarily used for macromolecule separation.
- Extending their application to small molecules requires incorporating micro- or nanoparticles.
- Gas chromatography (GC) for small molecules using organic monoliths is an area with limited research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a composite monolithic column for GC separation of small molecules and gases.
- To evaluate the separation performance, reproducibility, and selectivity of the novel composite material.
- To explore the potential of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in GC applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of capillary monolithic columns by incorporating sodalite topology zeolite-like metal-organic framework (sod-ZMOF) nanoparticles into a Divinylbenzene (DVB) polymer matrix.
- Gas chromatography (GC) analysis of linear alkanes, polar probes, and gas mixtures using the fabricated composite columns.
- Characterization of column performance including resolution, retention time reproducibility, and selectivity.
Main Results:
- The composite sod-ZMOF@DVB monolithic columns demonstrated significantly increased separation resolution for linear alkanes and polar probes compared to blank DVB columns.
- High-performance separation of a linear alkane series (methane to decane) was achieved in under 2 minutes.
- Excellent day-to-day reproducibility (RSD% 2.25-3.3%) was observed over 16 days and 500+ runs.
- Successful separation of an azeotropic freon mixture (R-32/R-125) with a selectivity of up to 4.84 was achieved.
- The composite column exhibited a nonpolar character, confirmed by McReynolds constants.
Conclusions:
- The developed sod-ZMOF@DVB composite monolithic columns are highly effective for GC separation of small molecules and gases.
- This approach leverages the unique properties of MOFs and the advantages of organic monoliths for advanced chromatographic applications.
- The study highlights GC as a rapid and effective method for evaluating the separation capabilities of novel porous materials.
