New Concepts in Molecular Sieve Membrane Preparation - What can we learn from Zeolite Membrane Preparation for MOF Membrane Synthesis?

Both zeolite and MOF (metal organic framework) membranes should be able to separate a fluid mixture due to the size and shape of its components and can be called, therefore, “molecular sieve membrane”. During the last years, novel tools have been developed for the synthesis of more powerful zeolite membranes. By rigorously adopting these tools like seeding, use of macroporous ceramic and metal supports, microwave heating, playing with zeta potentials etc., in a relatively short time scale the first MOF membranes with molecular sieve properties could be developed which have almost the same state of development like advanced zeolite membranes.

Keywords: Zeolite membranes, MOF membranes, ZIF-7, ZIF-8, ZIF-90, ZIF-22, H₂ separation, CO₂/CH₄ separation