Three-dimensional linker-promoted hierarchical porous metal–organic framework for natural gas purification

• Published in: Separation and purification technology 2025-02, Vol.354, p.129466, Article 129466
• Main Authors: Zheng, Hui-Ting, Song, Liang, Yan, Le, Xiong, Xiao-Hong, Lu, Yu-Lin, Chen, Cheng-Xia, Barboiu, Mihail, Wei, Zhang-Wen, Jiang, Ji-Jun, Su, Cheng-Yong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Breakthrough; Hierarchical pores; Metal-organic framework; Natural gas separation; Three-dimensional linker
• ISSN: 1383-5866
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2024.129466

The purification of methane from natural gas is extremely important for industrial applications. In this study, hierarchical porous material LIFM-Z1 with microporous cages and mesoporous hexagonal one-dimensional channels was successfully synthesized and evaluated. The results show that LIFM-Z1 can effectively separate CH4 from the mixed gas containing CH4, C2H6, C3H8 and n-C4H10. Single-component adsorption experiments revealed the selective adsorption ability of LIFM-Z1 for C2H6, C3H8, and n-C4H10, enabling a clear distinction between these components and CH4. This selectivity was further verified by dynamic breakthrough experiments. Theoretical analysis shows that the interaction between LIFM-Z1 and gas molecules mainly depends on the synergistic effect of C–H⋯O hydrogen bond and C–H⋯C van der Waals force. The results highlight the potential of utilizing 3D linkers to enhance the inner wall interaction with CH4 and its related gases in MOF construction. These characteristics of LIFM-Z1 not only successfully demonstrate the potential of separation and purification of natural gas with high efficiency, but also show its broad application prospects in the actual natural gas processing.