Enhanced compatibility and selectivity in mixed matrix membranes for propylene/propane separation

Abstract

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) based on metal–organic framework (MOF) have great promising application in separation of gas mixtures. However, achieving a good interfacial compatibility between polymer and MOF is not straightforward. In this work, focusing on one of the most challenging olefin/paraffin separations: propylene/propane (C3H6/C3H8), we demonstrate that modification of the MOF filler via dopamine polymerization using a double solvent approach strongly improves interfacial compatibility. The resulting membranes show an outstanding separation performance and long-term stability with propylene permeability nearly 90 Barrer and propylene/propane selectivity close to 75. We anticipate that similar MOF modification strategies may help solve the problem of interface defects in the manufacture of MMMs and be extended to other porous fillers.