A novel Zn-based heterocycle metal-organic framework for high C2H2/C2H4, CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 separations

Efficient separation of the small gas molecules especially the hydrocarbons is essential to social economy. The microporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are taking precedence in this respect by virtue of their irreplaceable advantages. Herein, the new organic linker 5-(5-carboxypyridin-3-yl)isophthalic acid simplified as H3L-N has been excavated to construct successfully the novel Zn-based heterocycle metal-organic framework ZnL center dot(DMF)(1.5)center dot(H2O)(6.0) (ZJU-197, ZJU = Zhejiang University, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide). ZJU-197 has been structurally characterized and explored in details for gas separation. It is commendable that the activated ZJU-197a has exhibited excellent C2H2/C2H4, CO2/CH4 and CO2/N-2 separations simultaneously with LAST selectivity of 137.8, 53.0 and 514.1 respectively at ambient conditions.