A Multiply Interpenetrated Cu-Based Metal–Organic Framework for C 2 H 2 /CO 2 Separation

The efficient separation of C₂H₂ from C₂H₂/CO₂ mixtures is of significant importance for acetylene purification. Herein we present a multiply interpenetrated metal-organic framework, named LIFM-290, constructed with a Cu₂ paddlewheel and a tricarboxylate linker, for C₂H₂/CO₂ separation. LIFM-290 has 1D channels with Cu open metal sites, which are superior C₂H₂-favored adsorption sites. Single-component adsorption and transient breakthrough experiments demonstrate its ability to capture C₂H₂ from C₂H₂/CO₂ mixtures. Theoretical calculations reveal that the open metal sites play a vital role in the selective adsorption of C₂H₂ via Cu-C₂H₂ interactions.