Microporous Fluorinated MOF with Multiple Adsorption Sites for Efficient Recovery of C₂H₆ and C₃H₈ from Natural Gas

Abstract

Purifying C 2 H 6 /C 3 H 8 from a ternary natural gas mixture through adsorption separation is an important but challenging process in the petrochemical industry. To address this challenge, the industry is exploring effective strategies for designing high-performance adsorbents. In this study, we present two metal−organic frameworks (MOFs), DMOF-TF and DMOF-(CF 3 ) 2 , which have fluorinated pores obtained by substituting linker ligands in the host material. This pore engineering strategy not only provides suitable pore confinement but also enhances the adsorption capacities for C 2 H 6 /C 3 H 8 by providing additional binding sites. Theoretical calculations and transient breakthrough experiments show that the introduction of F atoms not only improves the efficiency of natural gas separation but also provides multiple adsorption sites for C 2 H 6 /C 3 H 8 −framework interactions.

Fluorescence Turn-on Detection of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) by Perylene Diimide-Based Metal–Organic Framework

“…The use of a methylated ligand also helps maintain hydrophobic pore walls of MOF, thus enhancing water stability, and helping preserve the porosity that is crucial for the internal diffusion of PFAS. Additionally, being a nonfluorinated ligand, it is less toxic compared to other hydrophobic, water-stable MOFs. , The fluorescence spectra of the dispersed MOF powder in water/DMF (60/40: v/v) was recorded with incremental additions of aqueous PFOA solution (Figure ). A rapid turn-on response was observed with the addition of PFOA to the MOF suspension.…”

Boosting C3H8/C2H6/CH4 Separation Performance by an Aluminum-Based Nanoporous Metal–Organic Framework with Densely Hydroxyl-Functionalized Surface

“…Methane (CH 4 ) is a valuable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, sourced primarily from natural gas. − However, trace impurities like ethane (C 2 H 6 ) (0–20%) and propane (C 3 H 8 ) (0–5%) can reduce its energy efficiency . Additionally, C 2 H 6 and C 3 H 8 serve as key feedstocks in the generation of olefins, which are then essential in the synthesis of polyethylene and polypropylene. − Therefore, the purification of CH 4 and the recovery of C 2 H 6 /C 3 H 8 from natural gas are necessary . Currently, cryogenic distillation is a popular separation method, but it is energy-intensive and costly .…”

Significant Enhancement of Xe Adsorption and Xe/Kr Separation of Metal–Organic Framework Induced by Pore Channel Shaping and Pore Polarity Engineering

“…In addition, the local pore polarity of MOF can be finely tuned by the substituents on the organic ligands of MOF, − providing new opportunities to design a MOF exhibiting polarity-induced preferred recognition of specific molecules. Herein, we develop a chlorine-functionalized strategy to control the pore polarity and pore shape of the MOF for Xe/Kr separation.…”