Work

Lewis acid‐driven interlayer shifting in sub‐nm 2D covalent organic framework membranes for hydrogen purification

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Covalent organic framework (COF) membranes are promising for eco‐friendly separations, but precise control of pore size at the angstrom level has been challenging, limiting their application in gas separation. This study introduces a pore redistribution method to reduce pore size to the sub‐nanometer range in single‐phase COF membranes. Using a Lewis acid (YbCF3(SO3)3) as the catalyst, interlayer shifting in 2D COFs was observed, which accelerates imine formation and weakens interlayer stacking forces. The pore size was engineered from >1.0 to ~0.6 nm. The optimal membrane achieves a competitive H2 permeance of 2253 gas permeation units (GPUs) and a high H2/CO2 selectivity of 21.6 in a binary equimolar gas test at room temperature, outperforming other one‐phase COF membranes and exceeding the 2008 Robeson upper bound. This approach offers an effective strategy for engineering microporous materials for gas separation and other applications.

Source: AIChE Journal

DOI: 10.1002/aic.18835

Authors: Li Chen, Cailong Zhou, Fan Feng, Yuewen Jia, Lichun Dong, Sui Zhang

Institutions: Chongqing University, National University of Singapore, Guangxi Minzu University

Language: English

Topic: Covalent Organic Framework Applications

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,940

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China