Shaping of a Scalable MOF for Efficient C 2 H 2 /C 2 H 4 Separation
Abstract
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have demonstrated exceptional performance for challenging gas separations, yet their practical implementation requires transformation from fine powders into mechanically robust shaped bodies. Here, we report the successful shaping of scalable Cu(OH)INA, a benchmark ultramicroporous MOF for acetylene/ethylene (C 2 H 2 /C 2 H 4 ) separation, into pellets via wet granulation using organic binders. Among four hydroxyl-rich binders evaluated (hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, poly(vinyl butyral), and sodium alginate), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) at 3 wt % loading proved optimal, forming robust “solid bridges” between MOF crystals through hydrogen bonding interactions. The resulting Cu(OH)INA@3%HEC pellets (2–3 mm diameter) retained the parent MOF’s crystallinity and thermal stability while exhibiting excellent mechanical integrity, with
Fields of Study & Subjects
Metal-Organic Frameworks: Synthesis and Applications
Catalytic Processes in Materials Science
Membrane Separation and Gas Transport
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 65
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 2910–2916
- Publication date
- 29 January 2026
- Language
- EN