A Systematic Review of MOF, COF, and Their Hybrid-Based Composite Membranes for Gas Separation

Abstract

Membrane–based gas separation has become an important research field for sustainable energy and environmental applications. Gas separation is one of the key steps in refineries and other gas-related industries. Over the last two decades, the research on extended porous organic and inorganic materials such as zeolites, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent–organic frameworks (COFs), and their hybrids has increased continuously. These materials have garnered significant interest due to their structural flexibility and pronounced porosity, which offer excellent potential for gas adsorption and separation processes in industrial settings. As such, this review has aimed to provide an in-depth analysis of the recent developments in MOFs, COFs, and MOF–COF hybrid-based membranes for gas separation, highlighting their potential for practical industrial applications. It also offers a comprehensive understanding of some of the most critical and advanced materials used in gas separation compared to common polymers. In addition, membranes' concepts, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness are discussed in detail.