CO2-Philic Mixed-Matrix Membranes Based on Ultra-Stable Porous-Framework Zirconium Phosphate

The practical application of membrane separation, such as CO 2 recovery from flue gas, is usually accompanied by harsh operating conditions of high temperature and pressure as well as acidic and humid feed properties, which poses a great challenge to the stability of membrane materials. In this work, zirconium phosphate material with highly stable porous-framework structure was synthesized by ionothermal method, and then, its incorporation into the polymer matrix to prepare ZrPOF-Pebax mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) was pioneered. Benefiting from their 4.0 × 3.0 Å 7-ring windows and CO 2 -philic framework, the optimal MMMs with a 5 wt % ZrPOF content exhibited enhanced CO 2 /N 2 selectivity of 29.6, with a decent CO 2 permeability of 286.3 Barrer, which raised by 79.4 and 67.5% compared to the neat Pebax 2533 membranes, respectively. Furthermore, owing to their excellent thermal, water, and chemical stability, obtained MMMs maintained excellent performances under harsh operating conditions.