Enhanced Polymer Crystallinity in Mixed-Matrix Membranes Induced by Metal-Organic Framework Nanosheets for Efficient CO2 Capture.

The design and fabrication of novel mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) with simultaneously enhanced gas permeability and selectivity are highly sought for the industrial deployment of membrane technology for large-scale CO2 capture and storage. Conventional isotropic bulky particle fillers often exhibit limited interfacial compatibility that eventually leads to significant selectivity loss in MMMs. Here, we report the incorporation of chemically stable metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets into a highly permeable polymer matrix to prepare defect-free MMMs. MOF nanosheets are homogeneously dispersed within the polymer matrix, owing to their high aspect ratios that improve the polymer-filler integration. The strong hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions between the two components not only enhance the interfacial compatibility but also favor the efficient polymer chain packing along the surface of MOF nanosheets, leading to enhanced polymer crystallinity as well as size-sieving capability of the membranes. The as-prepared MMMs demonstrate high CO2-selective separation performance, good antipressure, and antiaging abilities, thus offering new opportunities in developing advanced membranes for industrial gas separation applications.