Molecular‐scale hybrid membranes: Metal‐oxo cluster crosslinked benzimidazole‐linked polymer membranes for superior H2 purification

Abstract

AbstractHydrogen (H2) purification requires separation membranes with excellent performance and high stability. Here, a few nanometer‐sized Zr‐oxygen clusters (CP‐2) abundant in amino groups were incorporated in benzimidazole‐linked polymers (BILPs) by interfacial polymerization (IP) to fabricate molecular‐scale hybrid membranes for efficient H2/CO2 separation. The amino groups in CP‐2 engage in IP. The structure of the BILPs polymer chains is regulated and more H2 selective channels are created. The hybrid membranes provide an H2/CO2 selectivity of up to 75.2 (with a corresponding H2 permeance of 318 GPU) and a high H2 permeance of up to 1470 GPU (with a corresponding H2/CO2 selectivity of 23.6). In addition, the membranes exhibit satisfactory separation performance and durability under industry‐relevant conditions (573 K, 11 bar, or steam treatment).