Metal-organic Framework Nanosheets in Polymer Composite Materials for Gas Separation

Overview

Journal Nat Mater

Date 2014 Nov 3

PMID 25362353

Citations 162

Authors

Tania Rodenas

Ignacio Luz

Gonzalo Prieto

Beatriz Seoane

Hozanna Miro

Avelino Corma

Freek Kapteijn

Francesc X Llabres I Xamena

Jorge Gascon

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Composites incorporating two-dimensional nanostructures within polymeric matrices have potential as functional components for several technologies, including gas separation. Prospectively, employing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as versatile nanofillers would notably broaden the scope of functionalities. However, synthesizing MOFs in the form of freestanding nanosheets has proved challenging. We present a bottom-up synthesis strategy for dispersible copper 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate MOF lamellae of micrometre lateral dimensions and nanometre thickness. Incorporating MOF nanosheets into polymer matrices endows the resultant composites with outstanding CO2 separation performance from CO2/CH4 gas mixtures, together with an unusual and highly desired increase in the separation selectivity with pressure. As revealed by tomographic focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy, the unique separation behaviour stems from a superior occupation of the membrane cross-section by the MOF nanosheets as compared with isotropic crystals, which improves the efficiency of molecular discrimination and eliminates unselective permeation pathways. This approach opens the door to ultrathin MOF-polymer composites for various applications.

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