PIM-1 based mixed matrix membranes with MOF-808(Ce) for CO2 separations

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown potential as nanofillers for the selective capture of specific gases in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). This study introduces an efficient method, utilizing a mild (100 °C) reaction condition and a short reaction time (20 min), for the synthesis of MOF-808(Ce) nanocrystals. The MOF-808(Ce) that is obtained exhibits porous characteristics, a notable affinity for CO2, and robust intermolecular interactions with PIM-1. Furthermore, this study pioneers the incorporation of MOF-808(Ce) as a filler into PIM-1, with varying loadings, to create PIM/MOF-808 MMMs for the purpose of CO2 separation. Consequently, the MMMs containing 2 wt% MOF-808(Ce) demonstrate high CO2 permeability of 6854 Barrer and CO2/N2 selectivity of 23.2, which is far surpasses 2008 upper bound from Robeson and approaches the refined 2019 upper bound from MeKenow. A comparative analysis demonstrates the efficacy of MOF-808(Ce) as a filler in PIM-1 for the purpose of CO2 separation.