Large-Scale Metal–Organic Framework Nanoparticle Monolayers with Controlled Orientation for Selective Transport of Rare-Earth Elements

• DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c02716
• Publication Date: 2023-05-25T14:39:31Z
• Authors: Ming Qiu; Zhongpeng Zhu; Dianyu Wang; Zhe Xu; Weining Miao; Lei Jiang; Ye Tian

Long-range ordered membranes comprised of porous nanoparticles have been pursued in precise separations for a long time. Yet most the fabrication methods suffer from limited substrates or lack control over crystal orientation. Herein, large-scale metal-organic framework (MOF) monolayer with controlled orientations are prepared through an interfacial self-assembly process confined by superlyophilic substrates. The superspreading reactant microdroplets results ultrathin liquid layer under immiscible oil as reactor. concomitant MOF (ZIF-8) particles spontaneously assemble into monolayers orientations, determined particles' contact angles at liquid/liquid interface, which can be regulated solvent compositions. Therein both gas-adsorption and ion-transport tests prove that ⟨111⟩-oriented membrane exhibits minimized mass-transfer resistance. as-prepared selectively transport rare-earth elements (REEs), La3+/K+ selectivity 14.3 is achieved. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal REEs-selectivity associated distinct difference ion-membrane binding energies, demonstrating potential ZIF-8 use high-efficiency recovery REEs industrial wastes.