Invention Summary:
Separating mixtures of propane and propylene is often challenging and energy intensive. In industrial settings this separation is typically performed by cryogenic distillation, requiring low temperature and/or pressure. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are emerging as promising low-energy alternatives to energy-intensive distillations, as their performance is often comparable to industrial benchmarks with a reduced energetic cost.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a novel MOF for efficient separation of propylene and propane by size-selective exclusion. The material adsorbs propylene while fully excluding propane, and has been demonstrated to produce polymer-grade propylene with a purity of 99.5%. The MOF is compatible with ambient processing yet exhibits excellent thermal and hydrothermal stability, and it can easily be substituted into existing industrial processing equipment.
Market Applications:
- Industrial reactions requiring separation of mixtures of propylene and propane
- Production of polymer-grade propylene (99.5% purity)
Advantages:
- Low-energy; can be used at ambient temperature
- Compatible with existing industrial processing equipment
- Separation occurs by size exclusion adsorption
- Facile and scalable synthesis
- Excellent thermal and hydrothermal stability
Intellectual Property & Development Status:
Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration.
