Polymerizable metal-organic frameworks for the preparation of mixed matrix membranes with enhanced interfacial compatibility

• Main Authors: Ziman Chen, Dong Yan, Liang Ma, Yahui Zhang, Jingyan Zhang, Hui Li, Rebecca Khoo, Jian Zhang, Frantisek Svec, Yongqin Lv, Tianwei Tan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-06-01
• Series: iScience
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004221005289

Summary: The preparation of flawless and defect-free mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) comprising metal-organic framework (MOF) and polymer is often difficult owing to the poor MOF/polymer interface compatibility. Herein, we present the synthesis of an important family of pillared-layered MOFs with polymerizable moieties based on the parent structure [Zn2L2P]n [L = vinyl containing benzenedicarboxylic acid linkers; P = 4,4′-bipyridine (bipy)]. The crystalline structures of polymerizable MOFs were analyzed using single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The presence of reactive double bonds in MOFs was verified by the successful thiol-ene click reaction with sulfhydryl compounds. The subsequent copolymerization of polymerizable MOFs with organic monomers produced mixed matrix membranes with enhanced MOF/polymer interfacial adhesion that enabled good separation efficiency of CO2 from flue gas. This strategy provides a stimulating platform to the preparation of highly efficient MMMs that are capable of mitigating energy consumption and environment issues.