Fabrication of MOFs/PEBA mixed matrix membranes and their application in bio-butanol production

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) containing mixed matrix membranes have recently received increasing attention because of the favorable compatibility with polymer chains. In this work, Zn(BDC)(TED)_0.5 (BDC = benzenedicarboxylate, TED = triethylenediamine) particles were synthesized and introduced into polyether-block-amide (PEBA) to prepare mixed matrix membrane without interphase defects for bio-butanol recovery via pervaporation. The incorporation of fillers resulted in a decreased surface-free energy and improved mechanical properties. The effects of Zn(BDC)(TED)_0.5 loading as well as operation conditions on pervaporation performance were systematically investigated and the MMMs with 20 wt% loading showed superior performance. Considering the practical application, the MMMs with 20 wt% Zn(BDC)(TED)_0.5 was evaluated in ABE model solution, and it exhibited high n-butanol separation performance. This work suggests a promising future of Zn(BDC)(TED)_0.5/PEBA MMMs for bio-butanol recovery via pervaporation process.