Facile synthesis of Cu3(BTC)2/cellulose acetate mixed matrix membranes and their catalytic applications in continuous flow process

Abstract

Metal–organic framework (MOF)-based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were fabricated by a combination of Cu₃(BTC)₂ MOF and polymer cellulose acetate. The cellulose acetate in the MMMs served as the matrix and the Cu₃(BTC)₂ MOF as the filler. The as-synthesized MMMs were utilized as a heterogeneous catalyst for aldehyde acetalization. The characterization techniques indicated that the Cu₃(BTC)₂ crystals were uniformly dispersed in the MMMs. The BET surface area of the Cu₃(BTC)₂-based MMM was measured to be 459 m² g⁻¹ at 60 wt% Cu₃(BTC)₂ loading. Furthermore, the MMMs served as an excellent catalyst under our continuous flow catalytic reaction conditions. The optimal catalytic result of benzaldehyde yield reached 94% with 60 wt% Cu₃(BTC)₂ loading of the MMMs at room temperature and the benzaldehyde diethyl acetal reached 0.59 mmol min⁻¹ g_Cu-BTC⁻¹.