A Novel Modified ZIF-8 Nanoparticle with Enhanced Interfacial Compatibility and Pervaporation Performance in a Mixed Matrix Membrane for De-Alcoholization in Low-Concentration Solutions.

This study investigated the enhancement in bioethanol recovery from mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) by functionalizing zeolite framework-8 (ZIF-8) with imidazolate. This study focused on the separation of ethanol from low-concentration ethanol/water mixtures (typical post-fermentation concentrations of 5-10 wt%). Specifically, ZIF-8 was modified by the shell-ligand exchange reaction (SLER) with 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole (DMBIM), resulting in ZIF-8-DMBIM particles with improved hydrophobicity, organophilicity, larger size, and adjustable pore size.