최근 에너지 효율이 높은 분리 공정기술의 수요가 증가하면서 분리막을 이용한 기체 분리가 큰 관심을 모으고 있다. 현재 분리막에 의한 기체 분리 시장은 고분자막이 독점하고 있으며, 고분자 재료 물성의 한계로 탄화수소와 같은 응축 기체분리보다는 비응축 기체 분리에 제한되고 있다. MOF 재료는 금속 이온과 유기 리간드가 결합하여 형성하는 결정성 나노 기공 구조로, 높은 비표면적과 기공 구조 제어, 기능성 부여가 가능해 분리막 재료로 큰 관심을 끌고 있다. 본 총설에서는 다양한 MOF 분리막의 합성 방법과 MOF 분리막을 통한 기체 분리 응용에 대해 살펴보고자 한다.

In this study, a metal-organic framework (MOF) material NH2-MIL-101(Fe) was synthesized using the solvothermal method, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-visible spectrophotometry, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and surface area measurements. The XRD pattern of the synthesized NH2-MIL-101(Fe) was similar to the previously reported patterns of MIL-101 type materials, which indicated the successful synthesis of NH2-MIL-101(Fe). The FT-IR spectrum showed the molecular structure and functional groups of the synthesized NH2-MIL-101(Fe). The UV-visible absorbance spectrum indicated that the synthesized material could be activated as a photocatalyst under visible light irradiation. FE-SEM and TEM images showed the formation of hexagonal microspindle structures in the synthesized NH2-MIL-101(Fe). Furthermore, the EDS spectrum indicated that the synthesized material consisted of Fe, N, O, and C elements. The synthesized NH2-MIL-101(Fe) was then employed as an adsorbent and photocatalyst for the removal of Indigo carmine and Rhodamine B from aqueous solutions. The initial 30 min of adsorption for Indigo carmine and Rhodamine B without light irradiation achieved removal efficiencies of 83.6% and 70.7%, respectively. The removal efficiencies thereafter gradually increased with visible light irradiation for 180 min, and the overall removal efficiencies for Indigo carmine and Rhodamine B were 94.2% and 83.5%, respectively. These results indicate that the synthesized MOF material can be effectively applied as an adsorbent and photocatalyst for the removal of dyes.

Adsorption using highly porous and highly functionalized sorbents is a straightforward removal technology currently being employed, however the range of contaminants is limited. A novel sorbent was synthesized from activated carbon and Zr-based UiO66 metal organic framework to remove both cationic and oxyanionic metals from aqueous solutions. The composite was characterized using FSEM-EDS, FT-IR, XRD, and TGA, and showed successful integration of UiO66 on the surface of activated carbon. Batch adsorption tests with ICP-OES reveal that the composite has removal efficiency >95% for Pb (II), Cu (II), Se (IV), and As (V). The hybrid material is a promising sorbent for the removal of both cationic and oxyanionic metals for wastewater purification.