Thermodynamic−Kinetic Synergistic Separation of CH4/N2 on A Robust
Aluminum-Based Metal−Organic Framework
Abstract
A robust aluminum-based metal-organic framework (Al-MOF) MIL-120Al with
1D rhombic ultra-microporous was reported. The non-polar porous walls
composed of para-benzene rings with a comparable pore size to the
kinetic diameter of methane allow it to exhibit a novel
thermodynamic-kinetic synergistic separation of CH4/N2 mixtures. The CH4
adsorption capacity was as high as 33.7 cm3/g (298 K, 1 bar), which is
the highest uptake value among the Al-MOFs reported to date. The
diffusion rates of CH4 were faster than N2 in this structure as
confirmed by time-dependent kinetic adsorption profiles. Breakthrough
experiments confirm that this MOF can completely separate the CH4/N2
mixture and the separation performance is not affected in the presence
of H2O. Theoretical calculations reveal that pore centers with more
energetically-favorable binding sites for CH4 than N2. The results of
pressure swing adsorption (PSA) simulations indicate that MIL-120Al is a
potential candidate for selective capture coal-mine methane.