Mixed-matrix membranes

Abstract

Research into extended porous materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and porous organic frameworks (POFs), and their molecular analogues, metal-organic polyhedra (MOPs) and porous organic cages (POCs), has blossomed over the last decade. Given their chemical and structural mutability and notable porosity, MOFs have been proposed as novel adsorbents for industrial gas separations. In this context they have also been identified as promising filler components for high-performance mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). Research in this area has focused on enhancing the chemical compatibility between the MOF and polymer phase by judiciously functionalising the organic linkers of the MOF, modifying the MOF surface chemistry and, more recently, exploring how particle size, morphology and distribution enhance separation performance. Other filler materials, including POFs, MOPs and POCs, are also being explored as additives for MMMs and have shown, unexpectedly, remarkable anti-aging performance and excellent chemical compatibility for commercially available polymers. This review briefly outlines the state-of-the-art in MOF-MMM fabrication, and the more recent use of porous organic frameworks and molecular additives for MMMs.