Abstract

Here, a 2-fold interpenetrated metal–organic framework (MOF) was synthesized by imidazole derivative and carboxyl co-ligands, which features nonpolar pore environment with accessible N/O sorption sites, resulting in the suitable pore sizes (8.78 Å × 11.45 Å) to optimally interact with C2H6 and C3H6 compared to C2H4. The C3H6- and C2H6-selective phenomena were rigorously studied by combining pure-component sorption isotherms, ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) calculations, molecular simulations and breakthrough curves. The MOF exhibits high C3H6 uptake (53.6 cm3 g−1 at 10 kPa and 298 K) and benchmark C3H6/C2H4 selectivity (17.1), surpassing all of the reported porous materials for C3H6/C2H4 separation. Molecular simulations revealed both nonpolar pore environment and accessible O/N sites synergistically “match” better with C3H6 and C2H6 to provide stronger multiple interactions than C2H4. Experimental breakthrough curves and transient breakthrough simulations revealed that the MOF not only can realize one-step C2H4 purification (purity ≥ 99.9%) from various ratios of C2H6/C2H4 and C3H6/C2H4 mixtures with great recyclability, but also greatly increase the purity of C3H6 (such as from 28.5% to 87.7% for 2/5 C3H6/C2H4 mixture).

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.