Efficient C3H6/C3H8 separation within a bifunctional ultramicroporous metal-organic framework with high purity and record packing density

• Published in: Chinese chemical letters 2024-10, p.110556, Article 110556
• Main Authors: Yang, Shan-Qing, Wang, Lu-Lu, Krishna, Rajamani, Xing, Bo, Zhou, Lei, Zhang, Fei-Yang, Zhang, Qiang, Li, Yi-Long, Bao, Chao-Sheng, Hu, Tong-Liang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: C3H6 packing density; C3H6 purification; C3H6/C3H8 separation; Gas adsorption and separation; Metal-organic frameworks
• ISSN: 1001-8417
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.110556

The propylene/propane (C3H6/C3H8) separation is particularly challenging due to their highly similar physical properties, but of industrial importance. Herein, we report a bifunctional ultramicroporous metal-organic framework (Co-aip-pyz) with customized pore environment and selective binding sites for the challenging C3H6/C3H8 separation. Co-aip-pyz exhibits a good C3H6 uptake with an ultrahigh C3H6 packing density (931 g/L), as well as possesses a remarkable C3H6/C3H8 uptake ratio with 911% and distinguished C3H6/C3H8 selectivity (>104) at 298 K and 1.0 bar. Furthermore, Co-aip-pyz possesses a record high C3H6 packing density with 859 g/L at 313 K and 1.0 bar, which is unprecedented in the C3H6/C3H8 separation. Its high performance for the C3H6/C3H8 separation has been further confirmed by breakthrough experiments and molecular simulations. Combined with good stability, facilely synthesized procedure by low-cost precursors, record-high C3H6 packing density, as well as good C3H6/C3H8 separation performance, it highlights Co-aip-pyz as a benchmark adsorbent to address daunting challenge for industrial C3H6/C3H8 separation. This work provides valuable insights into constructing top-performing MOF materials for addressing the industrial separation challenges. An ultramicroporous metal-organic framework-based (Co-aip-pyz) splitter with customized pore environment and selective binding sites is generated. The MOF gives record C3H6 packing density and excellent C3H6/C3H8 separation performance, combining the unique advantages of stability, low-cost, and separation performance. [Display omitted]