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Orthogonal-array dynamic molecular sieving of propylene/propane mixtures

Author

Listed:
  • Heng Zeng

    (Jinan University
    Jinan University)

  • Mo Xie

    (Jinan University
    Jinan University)

  • Ting Wang

    (Jinan University
    Jinan University)

  • Rong-Jia Wei

    (Jinan University
    Jinan University)

  • Xiao-Jing Xie

    (Jinan University
    Jinan University)

  • Yifang Zhao

    (Jinan University
    Jinan University)

  • Weigang Lu

    (Jinan University
    Jinan University)

  • Dan Li

    (Jinan University
    Jinan University)

Abstract

Rigid molecular sieving materials work well for small molecules with the complete exclusion of large ones1–3, and molecules with matching physiochemical properties may be separated using dynamic molecular sieving materials4–6. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)7–9 are known for their precise control of structures and functions on a molecular level10–15. However, the rational design of local flexibility in the MOF framework for dynamic molecular sieving remains difficult and challenging. Here we report a MOF material (JNU-3a) featuring one-dimension channels with embedded molecular pockets opening to propylene (C3H6) and propane (C3H8) at substantially different pressures. The dynamic nature of the pockets is revealed by single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation upon exposure of JNU-3a to an atmosphere of C3H6 or C3H8. Breakthrough experiments demonstrate that JNU-3a can realize high-purity C3H6 (≥99.5%) in a single adsorption–desorption cycle from an equimolar C3H6/C3H8 mixture over a broad range of flow rates, with a maximum C3H6 productivity of 53.5 litres per kilogram. The underlying separation mechanism—orthogonal-array dynamic molecular sieving—enables both large separation capacity and fast adsorption–desorption kinetics. This work presents a next-generation sieving material design that has potential for applications in adsorptive separation.

Suggested Citation

  • Heng Zeng & Mo Xie & Ting Wang & Rong-Jia Wei & Xiao-Jing Xie & Yifang Zhao & Weigang Lu & Dan Li, 2021. "Orthogonal-array dynamic molecular sieving of propylene/propane mixtures," Nature, Nature, vol. 595(7868), pages 542-548, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:595:y:2021:i:7868:d:10.1038_s41586-021-03627-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03627-8
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Yangyang Xu & Tu Sun & Tengwu Zeng & Xiangyu Zhang & Xuan Yao & Shan Liu & Zhaolin Shi & Wen Wen & Yingbo Zhao & Shan Jiang & Yanhang Ma & Yue-Biao Zhang, 2023. "Symmetry-breaking dynamics in a tautomeric 3D covalent organic framework," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Xiaojun Ding & Jing Chen & Gang Ye, 2024. "Supramolecular polynuclear clusters sustained cubic hydrogen bonded frameworks with octahedral cages for reversible photochromism," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
    3. Yong Peng & Hanting Xiong & Peixin Zhang & Zhiwei Zhao & Xing Liu & Shihui Tang & Yuan Liu & Zhenliang Zhu & Weizhen Zhou & Zhenning Deng & Junhui Liu & Yao Zhong & Zeliang Wu & Jingwen Chen & Zhenyu , 2024. "Interaction-selective molecular sieving adsorbent for direct separation of ethylene from senary C2-C4 olefin/paraffin mixture," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.
    4. Yan Su & Ken-ichi Otake & Jia-Jia Zheng & Ping Wang & Qing Lin & Susumu Kitagawa & Cheng Gu, 2024. "Diffusion-rate sieving of propylene and propane mixtures in a cooperatively dynamic porous crystal," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-8, December.
    5. Shengjun Du & Jiawu Huang & Matthew R. Ryder & Luke L. Daemen & Cuiting Yang & Hongjun Zhang & Panchao Yin & Yuyan Lai & Jing Xiao & Sheng Dai & Banglin Chen, 2023. "Probing sub-5 Ångstrom micropores in carbon for precise light olefin/paraffin separation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.
    6. Mingke Yang & Huishan Wang & Julian Y. Zuo & Chun Deng & Bei Liu & Liya Chai & Kun Li & Han Xiao & Peng Xiao & Xiaohui Wang & Wan Chen & Xiaowan Peng & Yu Han & Zixuan Huang & Baocan Dong & Changyu Su, 2022. "Efficient separation of butane isomers via ZIF-8 slurry on laboratory- and pilot-scale," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.
    7. Peixin Zhang & Lifeng Yang & Xing Liu & Jun Wang & Xian Suo & Liyuan Chen & Xili Cui & Huabin Xing, 2022. "Ultramicroporous material based parallel and extended paraffin nano-trap for benchmark olefin purification," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-8, December.
    8. Lei Wei & Tu Sun & Zhaolin Shi & Zezhao Xu & Wen Wen & Shan Jiang & Yingbo Zhao & Yanhang Ma & Yue-Biao Zhang, 2022. "Guest-adaptive molecular sensing in a dynamic 3D covalent organic framework," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.
    9. Enyu Wu & Xiao-Wen Gu & Di Liu & Xu Zhang & Hui Wu & Wei Zhou & Guodong Qian & Bin Li, 2023. "Incorporation of multiple supramolecular binding sites into a robust MOF for benchmark one-step ethylene purification," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    10. Zhaoqiang Zhang & Yinlin Chen & Kungang Chai & Chengjun Kang & Shing Bo Peh & He Li & Junyu Ren & Xiansong Shi & Xue Han & Catherine Dejoie & Sarah J. Day & Sihai Yang & Dan Zhao, 2023. "Temperature-dependent rearrangement of gas molecules in ultramicroporous materials for tunable adsorption of CO2 and C2H2," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-8, December.
    11. Yunjia Jiang, & Yongqi Hu, & Binquan Luan, & Lingyao Wang, & Rajamani Krishna, & Haofei Ni, & Xin Hu & Yuanbin Zhang, 2023. "Benchmark single-step ethylene purification from ternary mixtures by a customized fluorinated anion-embedded MOF," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.

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