Shaping of Metal-Organic Framework Znatzpo4 for Ethylene/Ethane Adsorption Separation

Abstract

Metal-organic framework (MOF) ZnAtzPO4 enables precise control of the pore size to achieve C2H4/C2H6 adsorption separation. However, the industrial application of MOF powder faces problems such as pipe clogging and dust pollution, and the key to solving these problems lies in shaping. The shaped material should enhance mechanical stability while maintaining its physicochemical properties. This study aimed to explore the effects of shaping on the physicochemical properties of ZnAtzPO4 using different binders. Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), polyethylene glycol (PEG), sodium alginate (SA), and starch were used as binders, and the shaping body of ZnAtzPO4 was prepared by extrusion shaping in different proportions. A series of characterization experiments such as XRD, BET and mechanical strength testing, were carried out , then C2H4 and C2H6 adsorption isotherms were collected, and breakthrough experiments were performed on C2H4/C2H6 (50:50, v/v) gas mixture.The selection of binders and the different proportions have significant impacts on the mechanical strength and adsorption properties of the shaped body, in which the shaped adsorbent with 5% HPC shows a considerably high mechanical strength of 70.50 N/cm, the ethylene adsorption capacity of that is up to 89% of the powder, and the breakthrough experiments showed about 80% adsorption separation time of ethylene/ethane compared to powder, exhibiting the best overall performance. The comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights for the shaping of MOF materials and helps to promote the practical application of MOFs in gas separation technology.

Keywords: Adsorption separation, Ethylene/Ethane, metal-organic framework, ZnAtzPO4, Shaping