Porous aromatic frameworks with engineered properties for gas separation membranes

Abstract

Porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) integrating polymeric skeletons and periodic pores are recognized as organic molecular sieves and are anticipated to enrich our understanding of gas separation of porous materials. The unique pore chemistry enables PAFs as exceptional candidates as raw materials for separation membranes. Recent progress has proven the great potential of PAFs in gas separation. This mini review article focuses on designed synthesis, structural tailoring, and membrane gas separation. Topology principles are summarized for design of open frameworks. Effective strategies are showcased to precisely tune pore structures of PAFs. PAF-based membranes for gas separation are discussed from a pore chemistry view. Unresolved issues and the scientific forefront are proposed for PAFs and their membranes from an interdisciplinary perspective.