Microporous metal–organic frameworks for acetylene storage and separation

Abstract

Acetylene is an important starting material in the petrochemical and electronic industry for various industrial and consumer products, and a promising alternative energy source for future acetylene fuel cell vehicles. Porous metal–organic frameworks have been demonstrated as very practical useful materials for acetylene storage and separation which might provide the solid resolution for the safe storage and transportation of acetylene. Because of the explosive nature of acetylene, strong interactions of the pore surfaces with acetylene are very important to realize high acetylene storage MOFs at room temperature and low pressure, which can be fulfilled by the immobilization of open metal sites. Microporous MOFs having high adsorption affinity and matchable pore size with acetylene molecules have been realized to exhibit high selective C₂H₂/CO₂, C₂H₂/CH₄ and C₂H₂/C₂H₄ separation.