Significantly Enhanced Separation using ZIF‐8 Membranes by Partial Conversion of Calcined Layered Double Hydroxide Precursors

Significantly enhanced H2 /CH4 (ca. 80) selectivity was realized by effective suppression of the framework flexibility of a prepared ZIF-8 membrane. Initially a ZnO buffer layer consisting of 20 nm-sized ZnO-nanoparticle aggregates was fabricated by controlled calcination of a ZnAl-NO3 layered double hydroxide membrane. Owing to its high chemical reactivity, the ZnO buffer layer was partially converted into a well-intergrown ZIF-8 membrane with a certain penetration depth upon solvothermal treatment with ligands. Our method may represent a new concept for the design of advanced MOF membranes with high selectivity.