Discrimination of xylene isomers in a stacked coordination polymer

Abstract

The separation and purification of xylene isomers is an industrially important but challenging process. Developing highly efficient adsorbents is crucial for the implementation of simulated moving bed technology for industrial separation of these isomers. Herein, we report a stacked one-dimensional coordination polymer {[Mn(dhbq)(H 2 O) 2 ], H 2 dhbq = 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone} that exhibits an ideal molecular recognition and sieving of xylene isomers. Its distinct temperature-adsorbate–dependent adsorption behavior enables full separation of p -, m -, and o -xylene isomers in both vapor and liquid phases. The delicate stimuli-responsive swelling of the structure imparts this porous material with exceptionally high flexibility and stability, well-balanced adsorption capacity, high selectivity, and fast kinetics at conditions mimicking industrial settings. This study may offer an alternative approach for energy-efficient and adsorption-based industrial xylene separation and purification processes.

High‐Capacity Splitting of Mono‐ and Dibranched Hexane Isomers by a Robust Zinc‐Based Metal–Organic Framework

“…[4] Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) hold particular promise for industrially challenging separations such as the separation of alkane isomers, in light of their structural diversity as well as highly tunable pore dimensions and functionalities. [5][6][7][8][9] In early studies, thermodynamic separation was the focus where researchers took advantage of the different shapes of alkane isomers which lead to their different contacts with MOF pore surface and different adsorption affinity, as exemplified in Fe 2 (BDP) 3 reported by Long and co-workers. [10] Compared to thermodynamicallydriven discrimination, separation by kinetically-driven mechanism, or more ideally, through selective molecular exclusion would render higher selectivity and efficiency.…”

One-step rapid fabrication of MOF@polymer core–shell particles through non-solvent induced surface deposition

“…Using the design principles of reticular chemistry, MOFs can be tailor-made to exhibit a unique set of properties to meet the demand of various applications such as separation, energy storage, small molecular transformation, molecular recognition, and so on. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] However, the high porosity and high crystallinity of a MOF come at the expense of material exibility, toughness and processability. This sets an invisible barrier for the industrial deployment of MOF materials.…”

An amphiphilic water-soluble biphen[3]arene with a tunable lower critical solution temperature behavior

“…Stimuli-responsive materials sensitive to environmental stimuli, such as pH, light, temperature and redox reactions, have received extensive attention in the field of smart materials due to their wide applications in drug delivery, [1][2][3] sensing, 4,5 and molecular separation. [6][7][8] Among them, water-soluble thermo-responsive materials exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior are some of the most fascinating stimuli-responsive materials due to their potential biomedical applications. 9,10 At temperatures higher than the LCST, these materials display a great decrease in solubility, leading to a sharp drop in solution transmittance and an observable cloud point.…”