A new metal-organic framework based on rare [Zn4F4] cores for efficient separation of C2H2.

Assembly via 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate linkers and Zn2+ ions afforded an MOF containing rare [Zn4F4] cubane core, showing excellent separation for C2H2-CO2 and C2H2-CH4 mixtures. Dynamic breakthrough experiments and grand canonical Monte Carlo calculations were carried out to confirm the feasibility of the MOF for the separation application of C2H2.