Cost-Effective Heptanuclear-Cluster-Based MOF for C₂H₂ Capture and One-Step C₂H₄ Purification from Ternary C₂...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Adsorption Science

Background:

• Acetylene (C2H2) capture is crucial for C2 hydrocarbon purification.
• Developing cost-effective and stable adsorbents remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel 3D framework adsorbent for selective acetylene capture.
• To evaluate the adsorbent's stability and performance in complex gas mixtures.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal synthesis using mixed linkers (isonicotinic acid and methyl-modified isophthalic acid).
• Gas breakthrough tests to assess adsorption capacity and selectivity.
• Gas adsorption Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations.
• Single-crystal X-ray diffraction to confirm structure and guest binding.

Main Results:

• A stable 3D framework, Co7-Me·S, was successfully synthesized.
• Co7-Me·S demonstrated excellent air and water stability.
• The material selectively captured acetylene from C2H2/C2H4, C2H2/CO2, and C2H2/C2H4/CO2 mixtures.
• Simultaneous capture of acetylene and ethane from a three-component mixture was achieved, enabling one-step C2H4 purification.
• Single-crystal data confirmed high acetylene selectivity.

Conclusions:

• Co7-Me·S is a promising, cost-efficient adsorbent for acetylene capture and C2 hydrocarbon purification.
• The material's structure facilitates selective acetylene adsorption via hydrogen bonding.
• This work offers a new strategy for designing advanced porous materials for gas separation.