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Flexible Metal–Organic Framework‐Based Mixed‐Matrix Membranes: A New Platform for H 2 S Sensors
Author(s) -
Zhang Xin,
Zhang Qi,
Yue Dan,
Zhang Jun,
Wang Jintong,
Li Bin,
Yang Yu,
Cui Yuanjing,
Qian Guodong
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
small
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.785
H-Index - 236
eISSN - 1613-6829
pISSN - 1613-6810
DOI - 10.1002/smll.201801563
Subject(s) - metal organic framework , membrane , materials science , permeation , analyte , detection limit , polymer , nanotechnology , selectivity , matrix (chemical analysis) , chemical engineering , chemistry , organic chemistry , chromatography , composite material , adsorption , biochemistry , engineering , catalysis
Metal–organic framework (MOF)–polymer mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) have shown great potential and superior performance in gas separations. However, their sensing application has not been fully established yet. Herein, a rare example of using flexible MOF‐based MMMs as a fluorescent turn‐on sensor for the detection of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is reported. These MOF‐based MMMs are readily prepared by mixing a highly stable aluminum‐based nano‐MOF (Al‐MIL‐53‐NO 2 ) into poly(vinylidene fluoride) with high loadings up to 70%. Unlike the intrinsic fragility and poor processability of pure‐MOF membranes, these MMMs exhibit desirable flexibility and processability that are more suitable for practical sensing applications. The uniform distribution of Al‐MIL‐53‐NO 2 particles combined with the permanent pores of MOFs enable these MMMs to show good water permeation flux and consequently have a full contact between the analyte and MOFs. The developed MMM sensor (70% MOF loading) thus shows a highly remarkable detection selectivity and sensitivity for H 2 S with an exceptionally low detection limit around 92.31 × 10 −9 m , three orders of magnitude lower than the reported powder‐form MOFs. This work demonstrates that it is feasible to develop flexible luminescent MOF‐based MMMs as a novel platform for chemical sensing applications.