MOFs are a burgeoning class of material prized for their high surface area and tunable porosity. MOFs are being actively explored for separation applications, yet they are not easily processed in their native particulate form. To solve this problem, our group recently developed a MOF/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) mixed-matrix membrane (MMM) that demonstrated liquid-separation capabilities.1 Based on these findings, we are examining other MOF MMMs using a variety of polymers that might be useful for other membrane applications. This research uses brittle, polar, and environmentally-sourced cellulose derivatives as the polymer binder in a MOF MMM. As our results show, the different properties of carboxymethyl-modified cellulose require different preparation, casting, and curing conditions when compared to a rubbery polymer such as PVDF. Cellulose polymers give MOF MMMs that are stiffer and more brittle than their PVDF analogues. Other film properties including degree of MOF incorporation, accessible porosity, and chemical reactivity are presented. Various strategies are employed to improve film flexibility, including small-molecule plasticizers and external MOF particle functionalization for a better MOF/polymer interface. (1) Denny, Jr., M. S.; Cohen, S. M. Angew. Chemie, Int. Ed. 2015, 54 (31), 9029.

Investigating MOF mixed-matrix membranes with cellulosic polymers

251st National Meeting (2016)

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