Mixed matrix membranes containing MOFs for ethylene/ethane separation—Part B: Effect of Cu3BTC2 on membrane transport properties

Journal of Membrane Science, Volume 428, 1 February 2013, Pages 331–340
Mixed matrix membranes containing MOFs for ethylene/ethane separation—Part B: Effect of Cu₃BTC₂ on membrane transport properties
Jeroen Ploegmakers, Susilo Japip, Kitty Nijmeijer,
Membrane Science & Technology, Mesa+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, PO Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands
Abstract
Researchers characterized mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) containing varying amounts of the metal-organic framework (MOF) Cu₃BTC₂ as filler in P84 in terms of their ethylene and ethane separating performance.
Previous research showed that the use of the MOF Cu₃BTC₂ improves the ethylene/ethane separating ability due its selective interaction with the olefin. While the ethylene permeability remained constant, the ethylene/ethane permeability selectivity increased significantly to a value of 7.1 with increasing Cu₃BTC₂ loading. Evaluation of the reason for the strong increase in permeability selectivity with increasing Cu₃BTC₂ loading revealed that this is the result of an increase in diffusion selectivity by a factor of two. Results indicate immobilization of ethylene inside the MOF particles is the result of strong ethylene–copper(II) MOF interactions.
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