Chemical Research in Chinese Universities ›› 2022, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (2): 325-338.doi: 10.1007/s40242-022-1474-6

• Reviews • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Microstructure Manipulation of Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs)-based Membrane for Efficient Separations

MA Hanze1,2, WANG Shaoyu1,2, REN Yanxiong1,2,3, LIANG Xu1,2WANG Yuhan1,2, ZHU Ziting1,2, HE Guangwei1,2JIANG Zhongyi1,2,3   

  1. 1. Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China;
    2. Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, P. R. China;
    3. Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Fuzhou 350207, P. R. China
  • Received:2021-12-01 Revised:2022-02-01 Online:2022-04-01 Published:2022-05-18
  • Contact: HE Guangwei, JIANG Zhongyi E-mail:guangwei@tju.edu.cn;zhyjiang@tju.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.21838008, U20B2023, 21621004), the Fund of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, China(No.1922013), and the Program of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities(Tianjin University), China(No. BP0618007).

Abstract: Covalent organic framework(COF) membranes have exhibited great potential to become the next-generation membranes for efficient separations due to the diverse structures, ordered framework pores, tunable functionality and excellent stability. This review presents the microstructure manipulation strategies for separation performance enhancement of COF membranes in recent years. Based on the three mechanisms of molecular sieving, surface diffusion, and facilitated transport, the structural modulation methods to enhance the selectivity of COF membranes are analyzed in detail. Next, strategies of realizing ultrashort mass transfer pathways and ultralow mass transfer resistance for the permeability enhancement are elaborated. Furthermore, the framework stability in COFs, interlayer stability between COF nanosheets and interfacial stability between COF layer and substrate are discussed. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges and perspectives on the future development of COF membranes, targeting at identifying the most promising strategies and directions for the engineering of COF membranes.

Key words: Covalent organic framework, Organic molecular sieve membrane, Membrane separation, Microporous material