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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
07:45
Electrophoretic Crystallization of Ultrathin High-performance Metal-organic Framework Membranes
Published on: August 16, 2018
Scalable quasi-pure MOF membranes for energy-efficient gas separations
Shizheng Song1, Dong Fan2,3, Xilin Jia4
1Sustainable Energy and Environment Thrust, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.
Nature
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Scalable quasi-pure metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes were developed using a merged-phase approach. These membranes achieve high separation performance for industrial applications, significantly reducing purification costs.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes show promise for energy-intensive gas separations.
- Scalable manufacturing protocols are crucial for practical MOF membrane applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a scalable manufacturing protocol for high-performance MOF membranes.
- To create a quasi-pure MOF membrane architecture with polymer-like properties.
Main Methods:
- A merged-phase approach was used to fuse MOFs and polymers into a single phase.
- Fabrication of quasi-pure membranes using benchmark MOFs (ZIF-67, CALF-20, CuBDC).
- Evaluation of membranes for propylene/propane, ethylene/ethane, carbon capture, and hydrogen purification.
Main Results:
- Developed quasi-pure MOF membranes (>90 vol% MOF) using industry-reliable solution processing.
- Achieved separation performance close to pure MOF membranes.
- Demonstrated continuous roll-to-roll fabrication of (110)-oriented ZIF-67 membranes.
- Propylene/propane separation achieved 160 barrer permeability and 100 selectivity, sufficient for polymer-grade propylene.
Conclusions:
- The merged-phase approach enables scalable production of high-performance MOF membranes.
- Quasi-pure MOF membranes offer a cost-effective solution for demanding molecular separations.
- This technology bridges the gap between MOF membrane performance and industrial scalability.
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