Kinetic Separation of Propene and Propane in Metal-Organic Frameworks: Controlling Diffusion Rates in Plate-Shaped Crystals via Tuning of Pore Apertures and Crystallite Aspect Ratios

A series of isostructural, noncatenated, zinc-pillared-paddlewheel metal-organic framework materials has been synthesized from 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(carboxyphenyl)benzene and trans-1,2-dipyridylethene struts. Substantial kinetic selectivity in the adsorption of propene over propane can be observed, depending on the pore apertures and the rectangular-plate morphology of the crystals.