A Microporous Metal-Organic Framework Supramolecularly Assembled from a CuII Dodecaborate Cluster Complex for Selective Gas Separation

A novel 3D metal-organic framework BSF-1 based on the closo-dodecaborate cluster [B12H12](2-) was readily prepared at room temperature by supramolecular assembly of CuB12H12 and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)acetylene. The permanent microporous structure was studied by X-ray crystallography, powder X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and gas sorption. The experimental and theoretical study of the gas sorption behavior of BSF-1 for N-2, C2H2, C2H4, CO2, C3H8, C2H6, and CH4 indicated excellent separation selectivities for C3H8/CH4, C2H6/CH4, and C2H2/CH4 as well as moderately high separation selectivities for C2H2/C2H4, C2H2/CO2, and CO2/CH4. Moreover, the practical separation performance of C3H8/CH4 and C2H6/CH4 was confirmed by dynamic breakthrough experiments. The good cyclability and high water/thermal stability render it suitable for real industrial applications.