A Robust fcu-type Yttrium-Based Metal–Organic Framework for Efficient Separation of Xenon and Krypton

We report here an fcu-type microporous yttrium-based metal–organic framework showing efficient Xe/Kr separation with low heats of adsorption. The compound, formulated as [Y6F8(DOBDC)6(H2O)2]·(DMA)2 (HIAM-329, H2DOBDC = 2,5-dihydroxy-terephthalic acid, DMA = dimethylammonium), is both thermally and hydrothermally robust. At 1 bar and 308 K, it exhibits an ideal adsorbed solution theory selectivity for Xe/Kr (20/80, v/v) of 10.04, with Xe adsorption heat as low as 22.9 kJ/mol. Column breakthrough measurement confirms the capability of HIAM-329 for the separation of binary Xe/Kr mixtures.