Honeycomb-like Hofmann-type metal-organic framework membranes for C2H2/CO2 and H2/CO2 separation

Novel membrane materials are to be explored to meet the increasing demands on challenging separations of gas pairs, such as C2H2/CO2 and H2/CO2. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are nominated due to their customizable structures. Here, honeycomb-like Hofmann-type MOF ZJU-74a membranes are fabricated via controllable solvothermal synthesis. The formation mechanism and functions of this unique spatial membrane structure are clarified. The membranes provide a possible separation of C2H2 from CO2 on the basis of preferential adsorption of the former. A high H2/CO2 separation factor, up to 100, is reached relying on molecular sieving mechanism. In addition, the membrane durability, a crucial parameter for real application, is outstanding.