A FAU-based zeolitic imidazolate framework composites for efficient separation of C2H2/C2H4

Adsorptive separation of C 2 H 2 from C 2 H 4 , which could deal with multi-steps for their similar kinetic diameter and physical properties, still poses a significant challenge. In this work, we prepared two metal cations (Co 2+ , Zn 2+ )-exchanged aluminosilicate FAU zeolites as an inorganic porous matrix, and grafted an organic zeolitic imidazole framework crystal layer to construct the inorganic–organic composites for gas separation process of C 2 H 4 among the mixed gas components. Such inorganic–organic porous composites can adsorb C 2 H 2 and hinder the large-sized C 2 H 4 . The Co-FAU@ZIF-8 composite was verified through breakthrough experiments and demonstrated a promising adsorptive volume of 1.46 mmol g −1 with an IAST selectivity of C 2 H 2 /C 2 H 4 of 5.6 at 298 K, respectively. Via powder X-ray diffraction crystallography and combined spectroscopy, we found that the exchanged metallic cation located at the accessible s 6 r , and served as the anchor point for the epitaxy of different crystals. Such tunable features ( i.e. , metallic centers and pore diameter) provide a potential pathway for the sub-sequential development of highly efficient adsorptive materials.