Enhanced CO2 capture and hydrogen purification via hydroxy metal organic framework/polyimide mixed matrix membranes.
Membrane separation technology provides substantial energy and cost savings for molecular separations in chemical industrials, ideally complementing conventional thermal driven separation approaches. However, current membranes confront pragmatic challenges, primarily lying in the Robeson permeability selectivity upper bound limits. Here we show hydroxy metal organic frameworks (MOFs)/polyimide mixed matrix membranes, enabling high separation performance for applications including CO2 capture and hydrogen purification, while offering enhanced compatibility with state of the art membrane manufacturing processes. The mixed matrix membranes exceed present Robeson upper bounds with a H2 and CO2 permeability of 907 Barrers and 650 Barrers, respectively, with a H2/CH4 and CO2/CH4 selectivity of 45 and 32, respectively. The unparalleled performance results from intimate interactions at the boundary of hydroxy MOFs and carboxylic polymers via intensive hydrogen bonds. The principle of design opens the door to ultra permeable membranes with synergistic compatibility with current membrane manufacturing platforms for energy efficient molecular separations.
ChemSusChem