Metal-organic framework-based mixed matrix membranes: Synergetic effect of adsorption and diffusion for CO2/CH4 separation

New 5,5-(1,4-Phenylenebis(methyleneoxy)diisophthalic Acid Appended Zn(II) and Cd(II) MOFs as Potent Photocatalysts for Nitrophenols

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are peculiar multimodal materials that find photocatalytic applications for the decomposition of lethal molecules present in the wastewater. In this investigation, two new d10-configuration-based MOFs, [Zn2(L)(H2O)(bbi)] (1) and [Cd2(L)(bbi)] (2) (5,5-(1,4-phenylenebis(methyleneoxy)diisophthalic acid (H2L) and 1,1'-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole) (bbi)), have been synthesized and characterized. The MOF 1 displayed a (4,6)-connected (3.43.52)(32.44.52.66.7) network topology, while 2 had a (3,10)-connected network with a Schläfli symbol of (410.511.622.72)(43)2. These MOFs have been employed as photocatalysts to photodegrade nitrophenolic compounds, especially p-nitrophenol (PNP). The photocatalysis studies reveal that 1 displayed relatively better photocatalytic performance than 2. Further, the photocatalytic efficacy of 1 has been assessed by altering the initial PNP concentration and photocatalyst dosage, which suggest that at 80 ppm PNP concentration and at its 50 mg concentration the MOF 1 can photo-decompose around 90.01% of PNP in 50 min. Further, radical scavenging experiments reveal that holes present over 1 and ·OH radicals collectively catalyze the photodecomposition of PNP. In addition, utilizing density of states (DOS) calculations and Hirshfeld surface analyses, a plausible photocatalysis mechanism for nitrophenol degradation has been postulated.

Efficacy of modified carbon molecular sieve with iron oxides or choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvent for the separation of CO2/CH4

It is necessary to separate CO2 from biogas to improve its quality for the production of biomethane. Herein, an improvement in the separation of CO2/CH4via adsorption was achieved by modifying the surface of CMS. The surface modification of CMS was performed by impregnation with metal oxide (Fe3O4) and N-doping (DES-[ChCl:Gly]). Subsequently, the efficacy of the surface-modified CMS was investigated. This involved CMS modification, material characterization, and performance analysis. The uptake of CO2 by CMS-DES-[ChCl:Gly] and CMS-Fe3O4 was comparable; however, their performance for the separation of CO2/CH4 was different. Consequently, CMS-DES-[ChCl:Gly] and CMS-Fe3O4 exhibited ca. 1.6 times enhanced CO2 uptake capacity and ca. 1.70 times and 1.55 times enhanced CO2/CH4 separation, respectively. Also, both materials exhibited similar repeatability. However, CMS-DES-[ChCl:Gly] was more difficult to regenerate than CMS-Fe3O4, which is due to the higher adsorption heat value of the former (59.5 kJ).

Mixed Matrix Membranes for Carbon Capture and Sequestration: Challenges and Scope

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a major greenhouse gas responsible for the increase in global temperature, making carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) crucial for controlling global warming. Traditional CCS methods such as absorption, adsorption, and cryogenic distillation are energy-intensive and expensive. In recent years, researchers have focused on CCS using membranes, specifically solution-diffusion, glassy, and polymeric membranes, due to their favorable properties for CCS applications. However, existing polymeric membranes have limitations in terms of permeability and selectivity trade-off, despite efforts to modify their structure. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) offer advantages in terms of energy usage, cost, and operation for CCS, as they can overcome the limitations of polymeric membranes by incorporating inorganic fillers, such as graphene oxide, zeolite, silica, carbon nanotubes, and metal-organic frameworks. MMMs have shown superior gas separation performance compared to polymeric membranes. However, challenges with MMMs include interfacial defects between the polymeric and inorganic phases, as well as agglomeration with increasing filler content, which can decrease selectivity. Additionally, there is a need for renewable and naturally occurring polymeric materials for the industrial-scale production of MMMs for CCS applications, which poses fabrication and reproducibility challenges. Therefore, this research focuses on different methodologies for carbon capture and sequestration techniques, discusses their merits and demerits, and elaborates on the most efficient method. Factors to consider in developing MMMs for gas separation, such as matrix and filler properties, and their synergistic effect are also explained in this Review.

Recent Advances in Polymer-Inorganic Mixed Matrix Membranes for CO2 Separation

Since the second industrial revolution, the use of fossil fuels has been powering the advance of human society. However, the surge in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions has raised unsettling concerns about global warming and its consequences. Membrane separation technologies have emerged as one of the major carbon reduction approaches because they are less energy-intensive and more environmentally friendly compared to other separation techniques. Compared to pure polymeric membranes, mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) that encompass both a polymeric matrix and molecular sieving fillers have received tremendous attention, as they have the potential to combine the advantages of both polymers and molecular sieves, while cancelling out each other's drawbacks. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in the development of MMMs for CO2 separation. We will discuss general mechanisms of CO2 separation in an MMM, and then compare the performances of MMMs that are based on zeolite, MOF, metal oxide nanoparticles and nanocarbons, with an emphasis on the materials' preparation methods and their chemistries. As the field is advancing fast, we will particularly focus on examples from the last 5 years, in order to provide the most up-to-date overview in this area.

The utilization of micro-mesoporous carbon-based filler in the P84 hollow fibre membrane for gas separation

This research involved carrying out a unique micro-mesoporous carbon particle incorporation into P84 co-polyimide membrane for improved gas separation performance. The carbon filler was prepared using a hard template method from zeolite and known as zeolite-templated carbon (ZTC). This research aims to study the loading amount of ZTC into P84 co-polyimide toward the gas separation performance. The ZTC was prepared using simple impregnation method of sucrose into hard template of zeolite Y. The SEM result showing a dispersed ZTC particle on the membrane surface and cross-section. The pore size distribution (PSD) of ZTC revealed that the particle consists of two characteristics of micro and mesoporous region. It was noted that with only 0.5 wt% of ZTC addition, the permeability was boosted up from 4.68 to 7.06 and from 8.95 to 13.15 barrer, for CO2 and H2 respectively when compared with the neat membrane. On the other hand, the optimum loading was at 1 wt%, where the membrane received thermal stability boost of 10% along with the 62.4 and 35% of selectivity boost of CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4, respectively. It was noted that the position of the filler on the membrane surface was significantly affecting the gas transport mechanism of the membrane. Overall, the results demonstrated that the addition of ZTC with proper filler position is a potential candidate to be applicable in the gas separation involving CO2 and H2.

Improving the Selectivity of ZIF-8/Polysulfone-Mixed Matrix Membranes by Polydopamine Modification for H2/CO2 Separation

Gas separation membranes are essential for the capture, storage, and utilization (CSU) of CO₂, especially for H₂/CO₂separation. However, both glassy and rubbery polymer membranes lead a relatively poor selectivity for H₂/CO₂ separation because the differences in kinetic diameters of these gases are small. The present study establishing the mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) consist of a nano-sized zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8) blended with the polysulfone (PSf) asymmetric membranes. The gas transport properties (H₂, CO₂, N₂, and CH₄) of MMMs with a ZIF-8 loading up to 10 wt% were tested and showing significant improvement on permeance of the light gases (e.g., H₂ and CO₂). Moreover, the depositional polydopamine (PDA) layer further enhanced the ideal H₂/CO₂ selectivity, and the PDA-modified MMMs approach the Robeson upper bound of H₂/CO₂ separation membranes. Hence, the PDA post-modification strategy can effectively repair the defects of MMMs and improved the H₂/CO₂selectivity.

MOF-Based Membranes for Gas Separations

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) represent the largest known class of porous crystalline materials ever synthesized. Their narrow pore windows and nearly unlimited structural and chemical features have made these materials of significant interest for membrane-based gas separations. In this comprehensive review, we discuss opportunities and challenges related to the formation of pure MOF films and mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs). Common and emerging separation applications are identified, and membrane transport theory for MOFs is described and contextualized relative to the governing principles that describe transport in polymers. Additionally, cross-cutting research opportunities using advanced metrologies and computational techniques are reviewed. To quantify membrane performance, we introduce a simple membrane performance score that has been tabulated for all of the literature data compiled in this review. These data are reported on upper bound plots, revealing classes of MOF materials that consistently demonstrate promising separation performance. Recommendations are provided with the intent of identifying the most promising materials and directions for the field in terms of fundamental science and eventual deployment of MOF materials for commercial membrane-based gas separations.

Metal and Covalent Organic Frameworks for Membrane Applications

Better and more efficient membranes are needed to face imminent and future scientific, technological and societal challenges. New materials endowed with enhanced properties are required for the preparation of such membranes. Metal and Covalent Organic Frameworks (MOFs and COFs) are a new class of crystalline porous materials with large surface area, tuneable pore size, structure, and functionality, making them a perfect candidate for membrane applications. In recent years an enormous number of articles have been published on the use of MOFs and COFs in preparation of membranes for various applications. This review gathers the work reported on the synthesis and preparation of membranes containing MOFs and COFs in the last 10 years. Here we give an overview on membranes and their use in separation technology, discussing the essential factors in their synthesis as well as their limitations. A full detailed summary of the preparation and characterization methods used for MOF and COF membranes is given. Finally, applications of these membranes in gas and liquid separation as well as fuel cells are discussed. This review is aimed at both experts in the field and newcomers, including students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, who would like to learn about preparation of membranes from crystalline porous materials.

Metal-Organic Framework Membranes and Membrane Reactors: Versatile Separations and Intensified Processes

Metal-organic frameworks are an emerging and fascinating category of porous solids that can be self-assembled with metal-based cations linked by organic molecules. The unique features of MOFs in porosity (or surface areas), together with their diversity for chemical components and architectures, make MOFs attractive candidates in many applications. MOF membranes represent a long-term endeavor to convert MOF crystals in the lab to potentially industry-available commodities, which, as a promising alternative to distillation, provide a bright future for energy-efficient separation technologies closely related with chemicals, the environment, and energy. The membrane reactor shows a typical intensified process strategy by combining the catalytic reaction with the membrane separation in one unit. This review highlights the recent process of MOF-based membranes and the importance of MOF-based membrane reactors in relative intensified chemical processes.

Fabrication of Defect-Free P84® Polyimide Hollow Fiber for Gas Separation: Pathway to Formation of Optimized Structure

The elimination of the additional defect healing post-treatment step in asymmetric hollow fiber manufacturing would result in a significant reduction in membrane production cost. However, obtaining integrally skinned polymeric asymmetric hollow fiber membranes with an ultrathin and defect-free selective layer is quite challenging. In this study, P84® asymmetric hollow fiber membranes with a highly thin (~56 nm) defect-free skin were successfully fabricated by fine tuning the dope composition and spinning parameters using volatile additive (tetrahydrofuran, THF) as key parameters. An extensive experimental and theoretical study of the influence of volatile THF addition on the solubility parameter of the N-methylpyrrolidone/THF solvent mixture was performed. Although THF itself is not a solvent for P84®, in a mixture with a good solvent for the polymer, like N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), it can be dissolved at high THF concentrations (NMP/THF ratio > 0.52). The as-spun fibers had a reproducible ideal CO₂/N₂ selectivity of 40, and a CO₂ permeance of 23 GPU at 35 °C. The fiber production can be scaled-up with retention of the selectivity.

Experimental and theoretical study of CO2 adsorption by activated clay using statistical physics modeling

The objective of this paper was to study CO₂ adsorption on activated clay in the framework of geological storage. The activation of clay was characterized via scanning electron microscopy, N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms, and X-ray diffraction. The adsorption isotherms were generated at different temperatures, namely, 298 K, 323 K, and 353 K. Based on the experimental result, a new model was simulated and interpreted using a multi-layer model with two interaction energies. The physicochemical parameters that described the CO₂ adsorption process were determined by physical statistical formalism. The characteristic parameters of the CO₂ adsorption isotherm such as the number of carbon dioxide molecules per site (n), the receptor site densities (NM), and the energetic parameters were investigated. In addition, the thermodynamic functions that governed the adsorption process such as the internal energy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy were determined by a statistical physics model. Thus, the results showed that CO₂ adsorption on activated clay was spontaneous and exothermic in nature.

The objective of this paper was to study CO₂ adsorption on activated clay in the framework of geological storage.

Application of magnetized MOF-74 to phthalate esters extraction from Chinese liquor

In this study, magnetized MOF-74 (Ni) was prepared using an ultrasound-assisted synthesis method. This novel functional magnetic adsorbent was characterized using various techniques. Using the prepared material as adsorbents, a magnetic solid-phase extraction method coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography was proposed for determining four phthalate esters in Chinese liquor samples. The extraction parameters, including solution pH, adsorbent amount, extraction time, and eluent type and volume, were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, proposed method showed good linearity within the range of 1.53-200 μg/L for diphenyl phthalate, 2.03-200 μg/L for butyl benzyl phthalate, 7.02-200 μg/L for diamyl phthalate, and 6.03-200 μg/L for dicyclohexyl phthalate, with correlation coefficients > 0.9944, low limits of detection (0.46-2.10 μg/L, S/N = 3), and good extraction repeatability (relative standard deviations of 3.7%, n = 6). This method was successfully used to analyze phthalate esters in Chinese liquor samples with recoveries of 74.4-104.8%. Two phthalate esters were detected in two samples, both at concentrations that satisfied the Chinese national standard, indicating this method has practical application prospects. The extraction efficiency of this method was also compared with conventional solid-phase extraction using commercial C₁₈ cartridges. The results demonstrated that the proposed magnetic solid-phase extraction is a simple, time-saving, efficient, and low-cost method.

Molecular Simulations of MOF Membranes and Performance Predictions of MOF/Polymer Mixed Matrix Membranes for CO2/CH4 Separations

Efficient separation of CO₂ from CO₂/CH₄ mixtures using membranes has economic, environmental and industrial importance. Membrane technologies are currently dominated by polymers due to their processing abilities and low manufacturing costs. However, polymeric membranes suffer from either low gas permeabilities or low selectivities. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are suggested as potential membrane candidates that offer both high selectivity and permeability for CO₂/CH₄ separation. Experimental testing of every single synthesized MOF material as membranes is not practical due to the availability of thousands of different MOF materials. A multilevel, high-throughput computational screening methodology was used to examine the MOF database for membrane-based CO₂/CH₄ separation. MOF membranes offering the best combination of CO₂ permeability (>10⁶ Barrer) and CO₂/CH₄ selectivity (>80) were identified by combining grand canonical Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations. Results revealed that the best MOF membranes are located above the Robeson's upper bound indicating that they outperform polymeric membranes for CO₂/CH₄ separation. The impact of framework flexibility on the membrane properties of the selected top MOFs was studied by comparing the results of rigid and flexible molecular simulations. Relations between structures and performances of MOFs were also investigated to provide atomic-level insights into the design of novel MOFs which will be useful for CO₂/CH₄ separation processes. We also predicted permeabilities and selectivities of the mixed matrix membranes (MMM) in which the best MOF candidates are incorporated as filler particles into polymers and found that MOF-based MMMs have significantly higher CO₂ permeabilities and moderately higher selectivities than pure polymers.

Preparation of a magnetically recyclable visible-light-driven photocatalyst based on phthalocyanine and its visible light catalytic degradation of methyl orange and p-nitrophenol

A magnetically recyclable visible-light-driven photocatalyst based on metallophthalocyanine for bidirectional degradation of methyl orange and p-nitrophenol was prepared.

On the Efficient Separation of Gas Mixtures with the Mixed-Linker Zeolitic-Imidazolate Framework-7-8

A recently reported modification of the zeolitic-imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) with partial replacement of the 2-methylimidazolate (mIm) linker with benzimidazolate (bIm), namely ZIF-7-8, is investigated with molecular simulations using a first-time reported force field. The size of the ZIF-7-8 aperture, which governs the gas-separation efficiency of this material and which has not been estimated before for this modification, is smaller than that of the original ZIF-8. The diffusivities of CO₂, N₂, and CH₄ estimated through transition state theory calculations result in remarkably high diffusion selectivities for CO₂/CH₄ and CO₂/N₂ mixtures. This performance enhancement is investigated in terms of structural flexibility in the form of the aperture motion through extensive estimation of the effective diameter, the total effective area, and the motion of the aperture linkers, of both ZIF-8 and ZIF-7-8. Both apertures exhibit an oscillation through the rotation of the linkers, which are adjusted according to the size of the penetrant molecules the moment they pass through it. Finally, a subsequent analysis reveals that there is strong dependency of the separation performance on the bIm-to-mIm ratio: below 33% bIm incorporation, the appearance of ZIF-8-alike wide apertures decreases dramatically the size-based selectivity of the mixtures in ZIF-7-8.

Novel "Turn-On" Fluorescent Probe for Highly Selectively Sensing Fluoride in Aqueous Solution Based on Tb3+-Functionalized Metal-Organic Frameworks

A Zr-based metal-organic framework (Zr-MOF) which has free carbonyl groups is synthesized successfully through mix-ligand strategy. Subsequently, Tb³⁺ is encapsulated into a Zr-MOF by postcoordinated modification. The Tb³⁺@Zr-MOF exhibits the characteristic emission of Tb³⁺ because of efficient sensitization through antenna effects. The Tb³⁺@Zr-MOF is further developed as a novel "turn-on" fluorescent probe to detect fluoride ions in aqueous solution. The results show that Tb³⁺@Zr-MOF exhibits excellent selectivity, high stability, low detection limits, and good anti-interference for sensitizing fluoride ions. In addition, the possible sensing mechanism that the induced luminescence properties may be attributed to Lewis acid-base interactions is discussed.

Poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne)-Based Hybrid Membranes: Effects of Various Nanofillers and Feed Gas Humidity on CO₂ Permeation

Poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) (PTMSP) is a high free volume polymer with exceptionally high gas permeation rate but the serious aging problem and low selectivity have limited its application as CO₂ separation membrane material. Incorporating inorganic nanoparticles in polymeric membranes has been a common approach to improve the separation performance of membranes, which has also been used in PTMSP based membrane but mostly with respect to tackling the aging issues. Aiming at increasing the CO₂ selectivity, in this work, hybrid membranes containing four types of selected nanofillers (from 0 to 3D) were fabricated using PTMSP as the polymer matrix. The effects of the various types of nanofillers on the CO₂ separation performance of the resultant membranes were systematically investigated in humid conditions. The thermal, chemical and morphologic properties of the hybrid membranes were characterized using TGA, FTIR and SEM. The gas permeation properties of the hybrid membranes were evaluated using mixed gas permeation test with the presence of water vapour to simulate the flue gas conditions. Experiments show that the addition of different fillers results in significantly different separation performances; The addition of ZIF-L porous 2D filler improves the CO₂/N₂ selectivity at the expenses of CO₂ permeability, while the addition of TiO₂, ZIF-7 and ZIF-8 increases the CO₂ permeability but the CO₂/N₂ selectivity decreases.

Performance of Mixed Matrix Membranes Containing Porous Two-Dimensional (2D) and Three-Dimensional (3D) Fillers for CO₂ Separation: A Review

Application of conventional polymeric membranes in CO₂ separation processes are limited by the existing trade-off between permeability and selectivity represented by the renowned upper bound. Addition of porous nanofillers in polymeric membranes is a promising approach to transcend the upper bound, owing to their superior separation capabilities. Porous nanofillers entice increased attention over nonporous counterparts due to their inherent CO₂ uptake capacities and secondary transport pathways when added to polymer matrices. Infinite possibilities of tuning the porous architecture of these nanofillers also facilitate simultaneous enhancement of permeability, selectivity and stability features of the membrane conveniently heading in the direction towards industrial realization. This review focuses on presenting a complete synopsis of inherent capacities of several porous nanofillers, like metal organic frameworks (MOFs), Zeolites, and porous organic frameworks (POFs) and the effects on their addition to polymeric membranes. Gas permeation performances of select hybrids with these three-dimensional (3D) fillers and porous nanosheets have been summarized and discussed with respect to each type. Consequently, the benefits and shortcomings of each class of materials have been outlined and future research directions concerning the hybrids with 3D fillers have been suggested.