Quantum sieving: feasibility and challenges for the separation of hydrogen isotopes in nanoporous materials

Quantum effects on the molecular adsorption and migration in confined porous materials can not be ignored if the difference between the pore size and molecular hard core is no longer large compared to the de Broglie wavelength of gas molecules. Extensive studies of the quantum sieving have been focused on nanoporous materials due to their potential applications in separating hydrogen (H2) isotopes. This article reviews state-of-the-art research activities in the field of separation, discussing the feasibility of separating H2 isotopes by quantum sieving in nanoporous materials including zeolites, carbons and organic framework materials. The overall results indicate that an effective separation of H2 isotopes is possible via combining the equilibrium and kinetic selectivity of adsorption induced by a quantum sieving effect. A fundamental understanding of the factors that affect the quantum molecular sieving is discussed. We hope to outline a clear insight into the perspectives and challenges on this novel separation technique for H2 isotopes in the subsequent course of researches.