Stimuli-responsive metal-organic polyhedra-based hydrogel membrane for switchable separations toward CO2/H2
Kun Li1,2, Yuan Peng1,2, Wentai Hu1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China.
Science Advances
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a novel stimuli-responsive membrane for dual carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) separation. This membrane switches between CO2-selective and H2-selective modes, overcoming previous limitations in gas separation technology.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Membrane Technology
Background:
- Carbon capture is crucial for blue hydrogen and syngas production.
- Simultaneous CO2 and H2 separation using a single membrane is challenging due to differing separation mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a stimuli-responsive membrane capable of both CO2-selective and H2-selective separations.
- To overcome the limitations of traditional membranes in dual gas separation modes.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a zirconium metal-organic polyhedron (Zr-MOP) polymerized hydrogel membrane.
- Utilizing a stepwise molecular-level blending and polymerization strategy.
- Investigating stimuli-responsive behavior (dehydration and pH) for separation mode switching.
Main Results:
- The membrane exhibited high CO2 selectivity (CO2/H2 separation factor of 44) and permeability (7025 Barrer) in its initial state.
- Upon dehydration, the membrane reversibly switched to high H2 selectivity (H2/CO2 separation factor of 798).
- The separation behavior was tunable by pH stimuli.
Conclusions:
- A novel stimuli-responsive membrane with switchable and inverted separation functions was successfully developed.
- This membrane integrates Zr-MOPs into a hydrogel matrix for tunable gas separation.
- The findings offer a new strategy for advanced membrane-based gas separation applications.
