Shape-Recognition in an Al-MOF Enables High C<sub>3</sub>F<sub>6</sub> Adsorption and Size-Sieving Separation of C<sub>3</sub>F<sub>6</sub>/C<sub>3</sub>F<sub>8</sub>.

Zhou, Xin; Su, Xuxuan; Li, Shenfang; Zhou, Muyang; Yao, Jinze; Wu, Yilu; Yu, Liang; Xiong, Kecai et al. · Adv Mater · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The purification of perfluoropropane (C<sub>3</sub>F<sub>8</sub>) relies on the selective removal of trace perfluoropropylene (C<sub>3</sub>F<sub>6</sub>), which remains challenging due to their similar physicochemical properties. Herein, we report a rigid Al-based MOF, HIAM-344, featuring nitrate-regulated narrow pore windows and large cavities that enable simultaneous molecular sieving of C<sub>3</sub>F<sub>6</sub>/C<sub>3</sub>F<sub>8</sub> and high C<sub>3</sub>F<sub>6</sub> adsorption at low pressure. HIAM-344 exhibits a record-high C<sub>3</sub>F<sub>6</sub> uptake of 78.8 cm<sup>3</sup> g<sup>-1</sup> at 298 K and 1 bar, and maintains a remarkably high capacity of 59.2 cm<sup>3</sup> g<sup>-1</sup> at a low pressure of 0.01 bar. Dynamic breakthrough experiments demonstrate complete splitting of C<sub>3</sub>F<sub>6</sub> and C<sub>3</sub>F<sub>8</sub>, and direct production of electronic-grade C<sub>3</sub>F<sub>8</sub> (>99.999%). Computational studies reveal that the outstanding separation performance originates from the synergistic size and shape recognition, as well as the favorable adsorbate-adsorbent interactions.