Etched ZIF‐8 as a Filler in Mixed‐Matrix Membranes for Enhanced CO2/N2 Separation.

Zeolite ZIF‐8 has been etched with acid to form microporous ZIF‐8‐E crystals. These were then introduced into a polyethersulfone (PES) membrane matrix to enhance its CO2/N2 separation performance. Open through pores of size about 100 nm formed in the ZIF‐8 crystals allow the ingrowth of polyethersulfone chains, ensuring a reduction in the number of nonselective voids, thereby achieving better interaction between ZIF‐8‐E and PES. As a result, the CO2/N2 separation performance of the ZIF‐8‐E/PES membrane increased significantly, showing a CO2 permeability of 15.7 Barrer and a CO2/N2 ideal selectivity of 6.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]