MOF membrane synthesis in the confined space of a vertically aligned LDH network.

MOF membranes have gained widespread attention due to their unprecedented gas separation performance. Relying on physical interactions, we successfully deposited MOF seeds on a substrate modified with a network of vertically aligned LDH walls before secondary growth of the MOF layer. ZIF-8 membranes thus prepared show considerable H2 permeance with high H2-CH4 selectivity. This approach is in general suitable for the deposition of nanoparticles on solid surface and their subsequent growth into a dense layer.