Enhanced Sieving of C2-Hydrocarbon from Methane by Fluoro-Functionalization of In-MOF with Robust Stability

Developing efficient adsorbent materials is crucial for adsorption and separation to realize the purification of energy source and raw chemicals. Here, we report a novel and robust 3D In-based MOF built up with fluorine-functionalized ligands, QMOF-2F, with improved separation properties of C2-light hydrocarbons over methane at room temperature respect isoreticular non-fluorinated MOF. QMOF-2F shows a remarkable chemical stability in different solvents, including water, and pH (2-12). DFT calculations support the key role of fluorine-functionalization on the improved performance of QMOF-2F.

Automated summary

Efficient adsorbent materials are essential for the purification of energy sources and raw chemicals through adsorption and separation. A novel 3D In-based MOF, QMOF-2F, with fluorine-functionalized ligands, shows improved separation properties for C2-light hydrocarbons over methane at room temperature. The chemical stability of QMOF-2F in various solvents, including water, and pH levels (2-12) is remarkable, with DFT calculations supporting the role of fluorine-functionalization in enhancing its performance.