AIChE Journal, Vol.59, No.11, 4364-4372, 2013
Fabrication of Homochiral Metal-Organic Framework Membrane for Enantioseparation of Racemic Diols
Chiral metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) used to discriminate chiral enantiomers are of great practical significance. In this study, a novel homochiral [Ni-2(L-asp)(2)(bipy)] membrane was fabricated on a porous ceramic support and used for enantioselective separation of racemic diols. High-energy ball milling was applied to decrease the size of MOF crystals to achieve homogeneous seed suspensions. A high-quality homochiral membrane was obtained after optimizing the preparation process. Under the concentration-driven permeation process, racemic 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol (MPD) was readily separated by the as-prepared membrane. At 30 degrees C, an enantiomeric excess value of 35.5 +/- 2.5% was obtained at a feed concentration of 1.0 mmol L-1. The chiral separation of racemic MPD via the membrane followed a preferential sorption mechanism. (c) 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4364-4372, 2013