Improved desulfurization performance of polydimethylsiloxane membrane by incorporating metal organic framework CPO-27-Ni

Incorporation of MOF particles into polymer matrix is an effective approach to prepare mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with high selectivity and high permeability for pervaporation. In this article, regularly distributed CPO-Z7-Ni particles filled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) MMMs were prepared and used for pervaporation desulfurization. Benefiting from well-defined pore structures, high surface area, good compatibility with PDMS matrix and excellent thiophene adsorption capacity of the prepared CPO-27-Ni particles, both total flux and sulfur enrichment factor of the CPO-27-Ni/PDMS MMMs were remarkably increased. When the loading of CPO-27-Ni was 6 wt%, the optimal pervaporation performance was achieved with a flux of 5.92 kg/(m 2 ·h) and an enrichment factor of 4.05. These increased by 68.7% and 23.7% versus pristine PDMS membrane, respectively. It is proved that the incorporation of CPO-27-Ni particles into PDMS matrix can overcome the “trade-off” phenomenon between flux and sulfur enrichment factor, which is very important for pervaporation desulfurization.