Adsorption of methane and ethane on HKUST-1 metal–organic framework and mesoporous silica composites

Composite materials HKUST-1@MCM-41 and HKUST-1@ BPS based on metal–organic framework HKUST-1 [Cu₃(btc)₂, btc = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate] and silicas, i.e., mesoporous MCM-41 and biporous BPS with a bimodal mesopore size distribution, were prepared by one-step direct growth technique. Methane and ethane adsorption isotherms were measured for the HKUST-1@MCM-41 and HKUST-1@BPS composites in a wide pressure range for the first time. The silica porous structure significantly affects the content and location of HKUST-1 crystallites in these host matrices, and thereby the adsorption selectivities of the composites.