Design and Fabrication of Glass Metal–Organic Framework Membrane for Gas Separation

Glass metal–organic framework (glass MOF) membranes with unique amorphous structures and exceptional stability have garnered significant attention in gas separation applications. Compared with conventional polycrystalline MOF membranes, the glass MOF membrane overcomes the limitations of grain boundary defects and restricted porosity and is expected to be a candidate for high-performance gas separation membranes. In this perspective, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in glass MOF membranes, especially fabrication methods and gas separation performance. The glass MOF membrane is typically synthesized by melt-quenching, mechanical compression, tape casting, and a solvent-assisted method. It also exhibits excellent molecular sieving in key industrial separation systems. Furthermore, the development of composite glass MOF membranes by incorporating nanocrystals, zeolites, polymers, and functional groups into the bare glass MOF has further improved its gas permeance and selectivity. The relationship between the glass MOF membrane structure and gas separation performance has been analyzed to provide inspiration for the design of advanced glass MOF membranes for gas separation.