Search

Abstract Capturing Xe from gas mixtures represents one of the most challenging molecular gas separations. In this communication, we demonstrate the ability of a zeolite membrane, denoted as SAPO-34, to effectively capture Xe from air. Specifically, SAPO-34 membranes showed air permeances as high as 2.3 × 10−7 mol/m2 s Pa (690 GPU) and separation selectivities as high as 30.1 for a molar feed of 9:1 air/Xe. Molecular sieving, competitive adsorption, and diffusivity differences played a critical role in the overall separation performance. Membranes were air selective due to favorable molecular sieving and differences in diffusivity between gases present in the air mixture and Xe. Molecular sieving and diffusivity differences were identified as the dominant separation mechanisms. The high air permeances and separation selectivities make these membranes highly appealing as a potentially less energy intensive alternative to cryogenic distillation, the benchmark technology used to separate these gases. Highlights • SAPO-34 membranes effectively captured Xenon from air. • These membranes showed air permeances as high as 690 GPU and separation selectivities as high as 30.1. • Diffusivity differences and molecular sieving were the two dominant molecular separation mechanisms. • Xenon preferential adsorption was identified as a strong competing separation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to their large specific surface area and well-defined porosity, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have long been considered as promising materials for energy storage. Unfortunately, their straightforward utilization in supercapacitors was hindered for years due to poor conductivity until the emergence of 2D conductive MOF materials. To date, several 2D conductive MOF-based supercapacitors have been reported. Nevertheless, almost all these supercapacitors were fabricated from MOF powders through a slurry coating method or dense packing method, which negatively affected their capacitor performance. Herein, we have developed an anodic electrodeposition (AED) approach to fabricate a uniformly deposited 2D conducting MOF on nickel foam and use it directly as electrodes for supercapacitors without any additives. The superior performance of the 2D conducting MOF on nickel foam in both aqueous and organic electrolytes was then disclosed by a series of electrochemical measurements, demonstrating the significant advantages of the AED approach over traditional methods. [Display omitted] • Anodic electrodeposition approach was first used to construct 2D conductive MOF. • AED approach could effectively suppress aggregation of NiPc-MOF. • AED approach is one-step approach without binders/conductive additives. • NiPc-MOF AED @NF supercapacitor demonstrate outstanding performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]