UiO-66/PIM-1 Mixed-Matrix Membrane for Hexane Isomer Separation.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Separation Science

Background:

• Separating high-octane branched alkanes from naphtha is vital for gasoline production.
• Research on membrane-based alkane isomer separation, especially using mixed-matrix membranes, is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel mixed-matrix membrane for the efficient separation of C6 alkane isomers.
• To investigate the performance and stability of UiO-66/PIM-1 membranes in alkane isomer differentiation.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a continuous and dense UiO-66/PIM-1 mixed-matrix membrane with controlled interfacial structure.
• Utilizing pervaporation to test the membrane's separation efficiency and flux for C6 alkane isomers.
• Characterization of the membrane's properties and stability over extended operation.

Main Results:

• The UiO-66/PIM-1-(20) membrane demonstrated effective separation of C6 alkane isomers.
• Achieved a significant increase in the mass fraction of 2,2-dimethylbutane from 50.0 to 75.8 wt %.
• Maintained a high flux of 1700 g m -2 h -1 over 40 hours of continuous operation.

Conclusions:

• The developed UiO-66/PIM-1 mixed-matrix membrane offers a promising new approach for alkane isomer separation.
• The membrane exhibits remarkable separation performance, high stability, and potential for large-scale fabrication.
• This work advances membrane technology for critical applications in gasoline refining.