A Multiply Interpenetrated Cu-Based Metal–Organic Framework for C 2 H 2 /CO 2 Separation

The efficient separation of C2H2 from C2H2/CO2 mixtures is of significant importance for acetylene purification. Herein we present a multiply interpenetrated metal–organic framework, named LIFM-290, constructed with a Cu2 paddlewheel and a tricarboxylate linker, for C2H2/CO2 separation. LIFM-290 has 1D channels with Cu open metal sites, which are superior C2H2-favored adsorption sites. Single-component adsorption and transient breakthrough experiments demonstrate its ability to capture C2H2 from C2H2/CO2 mixtures. Theoretical calculations reveal that the open metal sites play a vital role in the selective adsorption of C2H2 via Cu–C2H2 interactions.