ZIF-8 membranes on ZIF-8-PVDF/PVDF dual-layer polymeric hollow fiber supports for gas separation

ZIF-8 membranes have attracted extensive research attention due to their ease of synthesis, stable properties, and wide applicability. Compared to expensive inorganic supports, organic polymer supports are more flexible and inexpensive. However, addressing the issue of weak adhesion between the surface of the organic support and the ZIF-8 membrane layer poses a significant challenge. In this study, we present a strategy for preparation of ZIF-8 membrane by the fabrication of an asymmetric dual-layer polymeric hollow fiber support using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the material. The outer layer of the support is composed of PVDF embedded with ZIF-8 seeds, while the inner layer consists of pure PVDF. This approach addresses the weak adhesion between the support and the ZIF-8 membrane layer formed through a one-step solvothermal crystallization process. The effects of ZIF-8 seed size, content, and crystallization conditions on the membrane structure and performance are investigated. Under the synergistic molecular sieving effects of ZIF-8 continuous membrane layer and ZIF-8 crystals within the outer layer of the support, larger gas molecules are difficult to penetrate the membrane layer, making the resulting membrane highly selective for the gas separation. Under the optimal fabrication conditions, the H2 permeability of the ZIF-8 membrane is determined to be 1.52 ± 0.1 × 10−7 mol·Pa−1·s−1·m−2, with a H2/N2 ideal separation selectivity of 69.5 ± 4. This method demonstrates simplicity and high reproducibility for preparation of ZIF-8 membranes on dual-layer hollow fibers, and it is expected to be extended to the growth and fabrication of other MOF membranes.