Asymmetric mixed matrix membranes with zeolite imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8, ZIF-67, bimetallic ZIF-8/67) and polyethersulfone for high flux and high selective hydrogen separation

For producing high-purity hydrogen (H2) from hydrocarbon reforming, membrane-based separation can be used. In this study, mixed matrix polymer membranes using metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles are explored to overcome the permeability-selectivity trade-off of traditional polymeric membranes. Highly permeable and highly H2 selective MMM using ZIF-8, ZIF-67, and bimetallic ZIF-8/67 MOFs were fabricated via a non-solvent induced phase inversion method by incorporating an intermediate solvent evaporation step. MMMs with 5, 10, and 15 wt.% of nanofillers loadings were prepared and tested for single gas (H2, CO2, CH4, and N2) permeability at 1-2 bar pressures. MMMs permeability and selectivities exceeded the Robeson upper bound (2008) for H2/CO2 separation, demonstrating the potential for obtaining high-purity hydrogen at low pressures. H2/N2 selectivity of 43.4, H2/CO2 selectivity of 27.86 for and H2/CH4 selectivity of 31.36 were obtained. Analytical techniques such as XRD, FTIR, and DSC were used to explain the transport mechanism in the MMMs. The cross-sectional structure and morphology of MMMs were analyzed with field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) to provide insights into the membrane's porous structure.