Synergistic enhanced catalysis of micro-reactor with nano MnO2/ZIF-8 immobilized in membrane pores by flowing synthesis

A catalytic membrane micro-reactor (CMMR) with nano MnO 2 /ZIF-8 immobilized in membrane pores has been fabricated by flowing synthesis and formaldehyde degradation was used to test its catalytic performance. The CMMR with deep-permeation nano structure (DPNS) has good stability, uniform nano MnO 2 /ZIF-8 dispersion and higher loading capacity. The MnO 2 coated on the surface of nano ZIF-8 with the size in the range of 100–150 nm was obtained. The contact between formaldehyde and MnO 2 is enhanced by the effect of even disperse of membrane pores. The enhanced mass transfer can be achieved in the micro-scale pores of the membrane by the confined space effect. A higher amount of MnO 2 loading and higher formaldehyde absorption rate can be achieved by the effect of ZIF-8 in membrane pores. The formaldehyde degradation rate was increased from 82.6% to 94.0%, if the MnO 2 loading capacity was increased from 98 mg g −1 to 344 mg g −1 . • Catalytic membrane micro-reactor with nano MnO 2 /ZIF-8 immobilized in membrane pores. • Nano MnO 2 /ZIF-8 in situ assembly by flowing synthesis. • Synergistic enhanced catalysis for formaldehyde degradation.