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Efficient continuous SF6/N2 separation using low-cost and robust metal-organic frameworks composites

Author

Listed:
  • Jinjian Li

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Yuting Chen

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Tian Ke

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Yuanyuan Jin

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Rongrong Fan

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Guihong Xu

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Liu Yang

    (Zhejiang University
    Institute of Zhejiang University-Quzhou)

  • Zhiguo Zhang

    (Zhejiang University
    Institute of Zhejiang University-Quzhou)

  • Zongbi Bao

    (Zhejiang University
    Institute of Zhejiang University-Quzhou)

  • Qilong Ren

    (Zhejiang University
    Institute of Zhejiang University-Quzhou)

  • Qiwei Yang

    (Zhejiang University
    Institute of Zhejiang University-Quzhou)

Abstract

Physisorption presents a promising alternative to cryogenic distillation for capturing the most potent greenhouse gas, SF6, but existing adsorbents face challenges in meeting diverse chemical and engineering concerns. Herein, with insights into in-pore chemistry and industrial process design, we report a systematic investigation that constructed two low-cost composites pellets (Al(fum)@2%HPC and Al(fum)@5%Kaolin) coupled with an innovative two-stage Vacuum Temperature Swing Adsorption (VTSA) process for the ultra-efficient recovery of low-concentration SF6 from N2. Record-high selectivities (> 2×104) and SF6 dynamic capacities (~ 2.7 mmol/g) were achieved, while exceptional SF6 productivities (~ 58.7 L/kg), yields (~ 96.8%), and recyclability (~ 1000 cycles) were demonstrated in fixed-bed adsorption-desorption experiments under mild regeneration conditions. 2D solid-state NMR/in-situ FTIR, DFT-D binding/diffusion simulation analyses revealed the multi-site binding mode and the ultra-fast diffusion of SF6 within the channels. The proposed VTSA processes successfully met the dual stringent requirements of both environmental protection and electricity equipment operation: the SF6 recovery of 99.91% accompanied with a SF6 purity/working capacity of 99.91%/2.1 mmol/g, which significantly outperformed the industrial employed adsorbent zeolite 13X and showed only 18.7% the energy consumption of the cryogenic distillation.

Suggested Citation

  • Jinjian Li & Yuting Chen & Tian Ke & Yuanyuan Jin & Rongrong Fan & Guihong Xu & Liu Yang & Zhiguo Zhang & Zongbi Bao & Qilong Ren & Qiwei Yang, 2025. "Efficient continuous SF6/N2 separation using low-cost and robust metal-organic frameworks composites," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56031-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56031-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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