In this communication, the copper net supported Cu(3)(BTC)(2) membranes have been successfully synthesized by means of a "twin copper source" technique. Separation studies on gaseous mixtures (H(2)/CO(2), H(2)/CH(4), and H(2)/N(2)) using the membrane revealed that the membrane possesses high permeability and selectivity for H(2) over CO(2), N(2), and CH(4). Compared with the conventional zeolite membranes, the copper net supported Cu(3)(BTC)(2) membrane exhibited high permeation flux in gas separation. Such highly efficient copper net supported Cu(3)(BTC)(2) membranes could be used to separate, recycle, and reuse H(2) exhausted from steam reforming natural gas.

Strategies for synthesizing of nanoscale single or bimetallic lanthanide metal-organic framework (MOF) materials and their transformation into Eu(1-x)Tb(x)-MOF thin films are reported. The thin films prepared via spin coating deposition method are smooth, dense and mechanically stable. They also exhibit marked luminescent properties and efficient Tb(3+)-to-Eu(3+) energy transferability.

Precise control over size and morphology of metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) is challenging but important for extending these hybrid materials to many more advanced applications, in particular for nanotechnology and device integration. Through studying parameters for the fabrication of nanosized Dy(BTC)(H 2 O) MOF crystals using sodium acetate as the modulator, this paper discloses two essential parameters for miniaturizing the size of MOF crystals to the nanometer scale. One is the proper acid−base environment of the reaction medium which governs deprotonation of the organic linker and, hence, the nucleation process. The other is the use of capping groups capable of inhibiting crystallites from growing. Combining these two parameters makes it possible to control the size and change the morphology of Dy(BTC)(H 2 O) crystals. A mechanism based on coordination modulation together with pH adjustment is proposed for the growth of nanosized MOF crystals.

Ordered and flexible porous frameworks with solution processability are highly desirable to fabricate continuous and large‐scale membranes for the efficient gas separation. Herein, the first microporous hydrogen‐bonded organic framework (HOF) membrane has been fabricated by an optimized solution‐processing technique. The framework exhibits the superior stability because of the abundant hydrogen bonds and strong π–π interactions. Thanks to the flexible HOF structure, the membrane possesses the unprecedented pressure‐responsive H2/N2 separation performance. Furthermore, the scratched membrane can be healed by the treatment of solvent vapor, achieving the recovery of separation performance.

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Another fine mesh you've got me into: A stainless‐steel‐net‐imbedded silicalite‐1 membrane (MFI film) is synthesized by a hydrothermal method. A hierarchical growth mechanism of the membrane formation is deduced. The MFI film has high thermal and mechanical stability, large‐scale order, and exhibits high permeation flux and excellent permeation selectivity for CO2 (see scheme).

Despite their promising potential, the real performance of lithium-sulfur batteries is still heavily impeded by the notorious shuttle behavior and sluggish conversion of polysulfides. Complex structures with multiple components have been widely employed to address these issues by virtue of their strong polarity and abundant surface catalytic sites. Nevertheless, the tedious constructing procedures and high cost of these materials make the exploration of alternative high-performance sulfur hosts increasingly important. Herein, we report an intrinsic defect-rich hierarchically porous carbon architecture with strong affinity and high conversion activity toward polysulfides even at high sulfur loading. Such an architecture can be prepared using a widely available nitrogen-containing precursor through a simple yet effective in situ templating strategy and subsequent nitrogen removal procedure. The hierarchical structure secures a high sulfur loading, while the intrinsic defects strongly anchor the active species and boost their chemical conversion because of the strong polarity and accelerated electron transfer at the defective sites. As a result, the lithium-sulfur batteries with this carbon material as the sulfur host deliver a high specific capacity of 1182 mAh g–1 at 0.5 C, excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 70% after 500 cycles, and outstanding rate capability, one of the best results among pure carbon hosts. The strategy suggested here may rekindle interest in exploring the potential of pure carbon materials for lithium-sulfur batteries as well as other energy storage devices.

By combining COF-TpPa and GO via hot pressing, the composite membrane exhibited simultaneously improved water permeance and dye rejection rate.