Fabrication of a Kagome-type MOF Membrane by Seeded Growth on Amino-functionalized Porous Al2O3 Substrate

In this study, we report an efficient fabrication method for the membrane of a metal-organic framework (MOF) (Kgm-OEt) which is one kind of kagome-type MOF with a two-dimensional (2D) sheet structure having one-dimensional (1D) channels suitable for separation of H-2 from other larger gases. The Kgm-OEt seed layer was created on an Al2O3 substrate using layer-by-layer (LBL) growth, then a membrane was fabricated by secondary growth. The membrane on a 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTEs)-treated substrate obtained in this method was continuous and defect-free with the crystal orientation suitable for gas transportation, while the membrane grown on an unmodified substrate was loosely packed with unfavorable crystal orientation.

Automated summary

An efficient fabrication method for a metal-organic framework (MOF) membrane was reported in this study, with a 2D structure suitable for gas separation. The membrane obtained on a treated substrate was continuous and defect-free, while the one grown on an unmodified substrate had unfavorable crystal orientation.