A nanocage-based copper-pentacarboxylate framework for the selective capture of C2H2 and purification of nature gas

Abstract Selective capture of C2H2 and purification of nature gas exert great influence in our modern life and petrochemical industry. In this research, a novel 3D metal organic framework [Cu5L2(H2O)5]∙10DMA constructed by flexible ligand and Cu (II) was obtained via solvothermal. The adsorption property of this material was studied. The maximum adsorption capacity for N2 is 425.3 cm3 g−1 under the 77 K and 1 atm, which corresponds to the specific surface areas of 1560 m2 g−1. At 278 K, its absorption capacity towards C2H2, CO2 and CH4 are 132.7, 90.2 and 25.8 cm3 g−1, respectively. The high ability to capture acetylene makes it possible to be used to separate and purify gas mixtures C2H2/CH4 and CO2/CH4.