A microporous metal-organic framework with basic sites for efficient C2H2/CO2 separation

Acetylene is an important chemical feedstock that is very challenging to separate/purify from the common impurity CO2 generated during the manufacture processes. Adsorptive separation by porous material is environmentally friendly and energy efficient, and therefore is regarded as an attractive approach. The microporous MOF Cu2(ade)2(PA)2 (ade ​= ​adenine, PA ​= ​propionic acid) with accessible basic sites was evaluated for C2H2/CO2 separation. The C2H2 adsorption capacity and C2H2/CO2 selectivity are comparable to those of the benchmark materials making this material promising candidate for the important C2H2/CO2 separation.