ABSTRACT
A general, green, efficient, and easily scalable methodology has been developed to more effectively incorporate (disperse) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into polymer technologies via solid state synthesis of any MOF nanocrystals within soluble mesoporous polymers. The resulting solid hybrid materials (pellets) can be directly transformed into colloidal MOF polymeric suspensions (inks) by simple dissolution in organic solvents. The straightforward use of novel colloidal MOF polymeric inks as ultimate additive for mixed matrix membranes resulted in unprecedented snakeskin microstructure exhibiting outstanding selectivity for CO2 over N2 (>100) from post-combustion flue gas at very low and well-dispersed MOF nanocrystal concentrations ranging from 1 to 7 wt %. This novel methodology brings one of the most versatile routes yet reported to transform any MOF into more functional forms that can be directly integrated into any conventional polymer technology at the commercial scale.
ABSTRACT
Polymer membranes are attractive for molecular-scale separations such as hydrogen purification because of inherently low energy requirements. However, membrane materials with outstanding hydrogen separation performance in feed streams containing high-pressure carbon dioxide and impurities such as hydrogen sulfide and water are not available. We report highly permeable, reverse-selective membrane materials for hydrogen purification, as exemplified by molecularly engineered, highly branched, cross-linked poly(ethylene oxide). In contrast to the performance of conventional materials, we demonstrate that plasticization can be harnessed to improve separation performance.
