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Metallocene-anchor inducing oriented MOF membrane for helium separation

Author

Listed:
  • Ju Bai

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Luqi Xiao

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xiangping Zhang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
    China University of Petroleum)

  • Hongyan Liu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Can Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Lili Gong

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Shuangjiang Luo

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yihan Zhu

    (Zhejiang University of Technology)

  • Linglong Shan

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Hongwei Fan

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Suojiang Zhang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Henan University)

Abstract

Oriented metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes hold significant promise for advanced helium (He) separation, but their synthesis remains a challenging task. We report the preparation of an oriented MOF membrane using metal-organic polyhedra (MOP) fragment as metallocene-anchor. The metallocene-anchor induces the growth of homoligand Zr-MOF along the c-axis, resulting in the {001}-oriented structure. This orientation increases the transition energy barrier of methane (CH4), enabling precise He/CH4 separation with a selectivity of 77.3 and a He permeance of 695.1 GPU. The membrane exhibits exceptional robustness, demonstrating resistance to high-pressure conditions (up to 40 bar), thermal shock (−25 °C to 85 °C), and long-term stability (1000 h). The separation performance surpasses that of existing MOF membranes and exceeds the Robeson upper bound. Additionally, a three-stage membrane process enables the concentration of low He concentrations of 0.3% up to 99.9%, highlighting the potential of membranes for helium extraction. The successful fabrication of various oriented MOF membranes indicates the universality of this strategy.

Suggested Citation

  • Ju Bai & Luqi Xiao & Xiangping Zhang & Hongyan Liu & Can Wang & Lili Gong & Shuangjiang Luo & Yihan Zhu & Linglong Shan & Hongwei Fan & Suojiang Zhang, 2025. "Metallocene-anchor inducing oriented MOF membrane for helium separation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-64533-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64533-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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