Metal-Organic Framework Membranes and Membrane Reactors:Versatile Separations and Intensified Processes

Metal-organic frameworks are an emerging and fascinating category of porous solids that can be self-assembled with metal-based cations linked by organic molecules.The unique features of MOFs in porosity(or surface areas),together with their diversity for chemical components and architectures,make MOFs attractive candidates in many applications.MOF membranes represent a long-term endeavor to convert MOF crystals in the lab to potentially industry-available commodities,which,as a promising alternative to distillation,provide a bright future for energy-efficient separation technologies closely related with chemicals,the environment,and energy.The membrane reactor shows a typical intensified process strategy by combining the catalytic reaction with the membrane separation in one unit.This review highlights the recent process of MOF-based membranes and the importance of MOF-based membrane reactors in relative intensified chemical processes.