Tortuous mixed matrix membranes: A subtle balance between microporosity and compatibility

In this work, the effectiveness of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with sheet-like morphologies was assessed as function MOF microporosity and MOF-matrix compatibility. Zeolitic imidazolate (ZIFs, a subclass) sheet-like/platelet were incorporated in Matrimid/PBI matrices resulting mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The ZIFs either permeable (ZIF-301) or impermeable (ZIF-95X) for gases kinetic diameter bigger than equal to CO2. Additionally, MMMs containing graphene nanosheets fabricated reference confirm ZIF-95X impermeability. ZIF-301 nanoplatelets showed enhanced CO2 permeabilities. Analysis N2 solubility diffusivity that additive enhances both gases, but only increases through MMM. This signified MOFs micropore volume should be accessible one gas such morphology effectively tortuosity other species. Contrarily, declined MMM separation performances. diffusivities presence defective interfaces these proved an increased is effective if additive-matrix interface defect free.