Constructing Gas Transmission Pathways in Two-Dimensional Composite Material ZIF-8@BNNS Mixed-Matrix Membranes to Enhance CO(2)/N(2) Separation Performance

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, due to their high aspect ratio and high specific surface area, which provide a more tortuous pathway for larger gas molecules, are frequently used in membrane separation. However, in mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs), the high aspect ratio and high specific surface area of 2D fillers can increase transport resistance, thereby reducing the permeability of gas molecules. In this work, we combine boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) with ZIF-8 nanoparticles to develop a novel material, ZIF-8@BNNS, to improve both CO(2) permeability and CO(2)/N(2) selectivity. Growth of ZIF-8 nanoparticles on the BNNS surface is achieved using an in-situ growth method where the amino groups of BNNS are complexed with Zn(2+), creating gas transmission pathways that accelerate CO(2) transmission. The 2D-BNNS material acts as a barrier in MMMs to improve CO(2)/N(2) selectivity. The MMMs with a 20 wt.% ZIF-8@BNNS loading achieved a CO(2) permeability of 106.5 Barrer and CO(2)/N(2) selectivity of 83.2, surpassing the Robeson upper bound (2008) and demonstrating that MOF layers can efficiently reduce mass transfer resistance and enhance gas separation performance.