Comparative preparation of ZIF-7 and ZIF-8 Membranes supported on tezontle and α- alumina

Abstract

Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) consist of metal ions or metal clusters with organic ligands coordinated, It´s synthesis have been aroused great interest because of its wide application in gas separation, storage, catalysis and sensors. The most remarkable properties of these materials is that they have a well-defined adjustable structure, high porosity and chemical functionality of their cavities. However the Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework (ZIFs), which are a subclass of MOFs represent an important alternative because they have thermal and chemical stability over 700 °C.
Interest in working with ZIFs in membrane separation and other advanced applications such as sensors is that they represent great advantages as they offer high efficiency and energy saving. Despite having many ZIFs have been few studies on search for the manufacture of membranes on which can support this type of material.
According to research conducted mainly using α-alumina ceramic having features such as mechanical and chemical resistance that makes it a suitable material for the manufacture of supports; although it is important to note that the materials can be found in nature such as volcanic rock (Tezontle) which can perform this function as it is characterized by high porosity, surface area represents plus it is a low cost and high availability..
The proposal for the construction of a solid absorbent material such as zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-7, ZIF-8), that can be supported on solid materials such as α-alumina and tezontle to in this paper; in order to compare to get free of fractures that may be applicable in membrane separation processes.
Keywords: Metal Organic Frameworks, Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework, Tezontle, α- alumina.