In situ synthesis of novel ZIF-8 membranes on polymeric and inorganic supports

Abstract

The fabrication of integrated ZIF-8 membranes via a direct in situ crystallization on a porous polyacrylonitrile material and a composite aluminum zirconate based support was performed for the first time. A novel free-seeding synthetic procedure was accomplished without an elevated temperature and autogeneous pressure. The proper choice of the support in combination with the appropriate synthesis procedure allowed for the preparation of phase-pure polycrystalline ZIF-8 membranes. The gas permeation experiments indicated that dense ZIF-8 selective layers, including a multi-layer coating, were perfectly grown on both the supports. Our results revealed a strong impact of the support on the gas separation characteristics of the resulting ZIF-8 membranes.