An Ionic Covalent Organic Framework Membrane with Confined Mobile Carriers for Stable and Efficient Carbon Dioxide Capture

Abstract

Membrane-based postcombustion carbon capture is a promising method for reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Mobile carrier-facilitated transport membranes (FTMs) are receiving attention because they can simultaneously increase CO₂ permeability and CO₂/N₂ selectivity. However, FTMs still face the challenge of carrier loss. Stable immobilization of mobile carriers is essential for achieving and maintaining superior separation performance of FTMs. Herein, we report an ionic covalent organic framework (COF) membrane with confined mobile carriers for stable and efficient CO₂ separation. In this structure, a typical CO₂ mobile carrier, 2,5-diethylenetriamine (DETA), is stabilized in the negatively charged nanochannels of the COF membrane. Thanks to the intrinsic CO₂-facilitated transport of DETA, the COF membrane presents a CO₂ permeance of 2347 GPU and a CO₂/N₂ selectivity of 191 under simulated flue gas conditions. Because the CO₂ mobile carriers are firmly confined within the pores through electrostatic interactions, the membrane shows stable separation performance during the 310 h continuous test. The excellent performance and robust stability demonstrate the significant potential of this innovative membrane structure for practical use in the capture of CO₂ from flue gas.