Doubling CO2/N2 separation performance of CuBTC by incorporation of 1-n-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethyl phosphate

1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethyl phosphate ([EMIM][DEP]) was incorporated into copper benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate, CuBTC. Consequences of molecular interactions on the CO2 separation performance CuBTC were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction results showed that surface morphology crystal structure remained intact upon incorporation ionic liquid (IL); thermogravimetric analysis infrared spectroscopy indicated presence between anion IL open metal sites Gas adsorption measurements for pristine IL-incorporated performed at 25 °C in a pressure range 0.1–1 bar. Data ideal CO2/CH4 CO2/N2 selectivities 1.6- 2.4-times higher compared to those 0.01 bar, respectively. Moreover, CO2/CH4:50/50 CO2/N2:15/85 mixtures, corresponding improved by more than 1.5- 1.9-times