Synthesis of Soluble Metal Organic Framework Composites for Mixed Matrix Membranes.

A general, green, efficient, and easily scalable methodology has been developed to more effectively incorporate (disperse) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into polymer technologies via solid state synthesis of any MOF nanocrystals within soluble mesoporous polymers. The resulting solid hybrid materials (pellets) can be directly transformed into colloidal MOF polymeric suspensions (inks) by simple dissolution in organic solvents. The straightforward use of novel colloidal MOF polymeric inks as ultimate additive for mixed matrix membranes resulted in unprecedented snakeskin microstructure exhibiting outstanding selectivity for CO over N (>100) from post-combustion flue gas at very low and well-dispersed MOF nanocrystal concentrations ranging from 1 to 7 wt %.

Plasticization-enhanced hydrogen purification using polymeric membranes.

Polymer membranes are attractive for molecular-scale separations such as hydrogen purification because of inherently low energy requirements. However, membrane materials with outstanding hydrogen separation performance in feed streams containing high-pressure carbon dioxide and impurities such as hydrogen sulfide and water are not available. We report highly permeable, reverse-selective membrane materials for hydrogen purification, as exemplified by molecularly engineered, highly branched, cross-linked poly(ethylene oxide).