A microporous yttrium metal–organic framework of an unusual nia topology for high adsorption selectivity of C2H2 and CO2 over CH4 at room temperature

Abstract

A new microporous yttrium metal–organic framework Y-H₃TDPAT [H₆TDPAT = 2,4,6-tris(3,5-dicarboxylphenyl-amino)-1,3,5-triazine] with Lewis basic sites on the pore surface was solvothermally synthesized and structurally determined as an unusual (6,6)-connected nia topology. The small pores and the Lewis basic sites within the desolvated Y-H₃TDPAT have improved the affinity for C₂H₂ and CO₂ which has been revealed in their large isosteric heats of adsorption (38.2 and 30.9 kJ mol⁻¹). In addition, highly selective separation of C₂H₂/CH₄ and CO₂/CH₄ at room temperature makes Y-H₃TDPAT possess a potential application in natural gas purification.