Hydrogen permeability of mixed-matrix membranes containing metal-doped MOF-5

A mixed-matrix membrane has been developed that consists of a filler and a polymeric matrix to achieve high selectivity and permeability. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as new fillers with a high surface area and a large pore volume enhance hydrogen (H₂) gas adsorption properties. In this study, synthesis and characterization of MOF-5 with two different transition metals were carried out. Nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) were chosen as transition metals, and nickel-doped MOF-5 and copper-doped MOF-5 were successfully synthesized by way of the solvothermal method. These particles were added to polyimide (PI) to form nickel-doped MOF-5/PI and copper-doped MOF-5/PI mixed-matrix membranes for hydrogen separation using the solution-casting method. Metal-doped MOF-5s were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The results demonstrated that transition metals used in the MOF-5 synthesis had been incorporated into the PI matrix successfully and led to an overall improvement in the performance of permeability.