Combination of MOFs and Zeolites for Mixed-Matrix Membranes

Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared by combinations of two different kinds of porous fillers [metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) HKUST-1 and ZIF-8, and zeolite silicalite-1] and polysulfone. In the search for filler synergy, the MMMs were applied to the separation of CO2/N-2, CO2/CH4, O-2/N-2, and H-2/CH4 mixtures and we found important selectivity improvements with the HKUST-1-silicalite-1 system (CO2/CH4 and CO2/N-2 separation factors of 22.4 and 38.0 with CO2 permeabilities of 8.9 and 8.4 Barrer, respectively).