Recent advances in the interfacial engineering of MOF-based mixed matrix membranes for gas separation

Abstract

The membrane process stands as a promising and transformative technology for efficient gas separation due to its high energy efficiency, operational simplicity, low environmental impact, and easy up-and-down scaling. Metal–organic framework (MOF)–polymer mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) combine MOFs’ superior gas-separation performance with polymers’ processing versatility, offering the opportunity to address the limitations of pure polymer or inorganic membranes for large-scale integration. However, the incompatibility between the rigid MOFs and flexible polymer chains poses a challenge in MOF MMM fabrication, which can cause issues such as MOF agglomeration, sedimentation, and interfacial defects, substantially weakening membrane separation efficiency and mechanical properties, particularly gas separation. This review focuses on engineering MMMs’ interfaces, detailing recent strategies for reducing interfacial defects, improving MOF dispersion, and enhancing MOF loading. Advanced characterisation techniques for understanding membrane properties, specifically the MOF–polymer interface, are outlined. Lastly, it explores the remaining challenges in MMM research and outlines potential future research directions.