Recent advances in adsorptive separation of ethane and ethylene by C2H6-selective MOFs and other adsorbents

C2H4 is the most important and demanded chemical raw materials. Separating C2H6 from C2H4 using C2H6-trapping adsorbents to lower the energy consumption in the petrochemical industry is important but challenging. This review summarizes the research progresses on the development of C2H6-selective metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent-organic frameworks (COFs), hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), porous organic cages (POCs), carbon-based materials, and zeolites for C2H6/C2H4 separation. The C2H6 uptakes, C2H6/C2H4 selectivities, stability, cost, scale-up synthesis, regeneration performance and shaping of C2H6-selective MOFs are overviewed. The strategies for enhancing C2H6 uptakes, C2H6/C2H4 selectivities and moisture stability on MOFs are summarized. The mechanism underlying the preferential adsorption of C2H6 over C2H4 on different adsorbents is also highlighted. Additionally, challenges and future developments of various C2H6-selective adsorbents are discussed.