The influence of pore aperture, volume and functionality of isoreticular gmelinite zeolitic imidazolate frameworks on the mixed gas CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 separation performance in mixed matrix membranes

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), a subclass of metal–organic (MOFs), have been widely investigated as additive in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), but systematic studies to identify critical intrinsic ZIF-type parameters that determine the MMM performance are lacking. Therefore, three isoreticular gmelinite (GME) ZIFs, i.e., ZIF-68, 69 and 78 distinct by their partial different linkers, were incorporated Matrimid matrices systematically elucidate effects varying pore aperture, diameter, volume functionality ZIFs on CO2/N2 CO2/CH4 gas permeability. The incorporation increases CO2 permeability for all MMMs both feed mixtures without compromising selectivity. highest increase is observed 20 wt% ZIF-68 MMM, with an 116% 122% relative was achieved surpassed conventional ZIF-8/Matrimid MMMs. Regarding ZIF series, results showed higher larger diameter more beneficial than polar smaller size, aperture volume.