Effective C4 Separation by Zeolite Metal–Organic Framework Composite Membranes

• Published in: Angewandte Chemie 2024-05, Vol.136 (21), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Ao, De, Yang, Zibo, Chen, Aibing, Sun, Yuxiu, Ye, Mao, Tian, Lei, Cen, Xixi, Xie, Zixi, Du, Juan, Qiao, Zhihua, Cheetham, Anthony K., Hou, Jingwei, Zhong, Chongli
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 1,3-Butadiene; Butane; C4 separation; Chemical industry; Composite materials; Glass substrates; Hydrocarbons; membrane; Membranes; Metal-organic frameworks; MOF glass; Separation; Zeolite; Zeolites
• ISSN: 0044-8249; 1521-3757
• DOI: 10.1002/ange.202401118

Inorganic zeolites have excellent molecular sieving properties, but they are difficult to process into macroscopic structures. In this work, we use metal–organic framework (MOF) glass as substrates to engineer the interface with inorganic zeolites, and then assemble the discrete crystalline zeolite powders into monolithic structures. The zeolites are well dispersed and stabilized within the MOF glass matrix, and the monolith has satisfactory mechanical stabilities for membrane applications. We demonstrate the effective separation performance of the membrane for 1,3‐butadiene (C4H6) from other C4 hydrocarbons, which is a crucial and challenging separation in the chemical industry. The membrane achieves a high permeance of C4H6 (693.00±21.83 GPU) and a high selectivity over n‐butene, n‐butane, isobutene, and isobutane (9.72, 9.94, 10.31, and 11.94, respectively). This strategy opens up new possibilities for developing advanced membrane materials for difficult hydrocarbon separations. The self‐supported zeolite CGC membranes were fabricated by incorporating zeolites as fillers within the agZIF‐62 matrix. There was excellent compatibility between two microporous phases through the formation of interfacial bonds, ensuring efficient separation of C4H6/C4 hydrocarbon gases. The strategy of combining zeolite with agZIF‐62 reduces the catalysis of olefin gas and facilitates the stable separation process.