Synthesis and Electrospraying of Nanoscale MOF (Metal Organic Framework) for High-Performance CO(2) Adsorption Membrane

We report the sonochemical synthesis of MOF (metal organic framework) nanoparticles of 30–200 nm in size and electrospraying of those particles on electrospun nanofibers to process a MOF-attached nanofibrous membrane. This membrane displayed significant selectivity towards CO(2) and capacity of adsorbing with 4000–5000 ppm difference from a mixed gas flow of 1% CO(2) and 99% N(2). Applying ultrasonic waves during the MOF synthesis offered rapid dispersion and formation of crystalline MOF nanoparticles in room temperature. The MOF nanoparticles of 100–200 nm in size displayed higher surface area and adsorption capacity comparing to that of 30–60 nm in size. Nanofibrous membrane was produced by electrospinning of MOF blended PAN solution followed by electrospraying of additional MOF nanoparticles. This yielded uniform MOF deposition on nanofibers, occurred due to electrostatic attraction between highly charged nanoparticles and conductive nanofibers. A test bench for real-time CO(2) adsorption at room temperature was built with non-dispersive Infrared (NDIR) CO(2) sensors. Comparative tests were performed on the membrane to investigate its enhanced adsorption capacity. Three layers of the as-produced membranes displayed CO(2) adsorption for approximately 2 h. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the membrane showed the thermal stability of the MOF and PAN up to 290 and 425 °C, respectively.