High performance MOF UiO-66 membranes for MeOH/MTBE separation

The preparation of high-performance polycrystalline MOF membranes for MeOH/MTBE separation poses a challenge. In this study, intact 400 nm thick UiO-66 membranes with well-controlled structures were successfully fabricated using a novel formulation. The high ligand/metal ratios and the new zirconium sources provide ideas for designing UiO-66 membranes with effective pore structures. Consequently, the membranes exhibited an exceptional pervaporation performance, achieving a flux of 5.68 kg m−2 h−1 and a separation factor of 28000 for MeOH/MTBE (5/95 wt/wt.%) at 40 °C. Further, the UiO-66 membranes have excellent temperature and concentration resistance and remain stable during 120 h of operation. The high pervaporation performance, along with this stability, demonstrates that this UiO-66 membrane is a competitive candidate for MeOH/MTBE separation.