Efficient splitting of C 3 H 6 and C 3 H 8 via pore size regulation of carbon molecular sieves

Abstract Adsorptive separation of propane and propylene represents a promising technology in the chemical industry for propylene purification with low energy consumption. Carbon molecular sieves hold particular promise in light of their high stability, facile regeneration, and low cost. However, fine engineering of the pore size of carbon molecular sieves remains a notable challenge due to their amorphous nature. Here, we report the synthesis of a PAEK‐N polymer, which is used as a precursor for the preparation of PAEK‐N‐derived carbon molecular sieves (PCMSs). We show, through adjusting the carbonization process, that the pore dimensions as well as the gas adsorption performance of these PCMSs can be effectively regulated. Specifically, PCMS‐700, carbonized at 700°C, exhibits a high C 3 H 6 adsorption capacity of 47.4 cm 3 /g at 303 K and 1 bar while fully excludes C 3 H 8 , enabling precise size‐sieving of C 3 H 6 and C 3 H 8 . The separation capability was further validated through dynamic breakthrough experiments.