Zi-Meng Xu, Zhen Chen, Xiao-Feng Zhong, Si-Yuan Yang, Yi-Le Chen, Yang Feng, Panpan Zhang, Yong Li, Ming Xue, Xiao-Ming Chen
Mass transfer intensification in separation technologies requires membranes with precisely engineered pore architectures and chemistry, as well as scalable fabrication. Herein, the first large-scale conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) composite membranes have been fabricated via solution-processable superacid-catalyzed ketone condensation, exhibiting ultrahigh solvent permeability and exceptional chemical stability. Molecular microenvironment engineering of CMPs via incorporation of fluorinated moieties achieves hierarchical free-volume control and forms confined mass transfer nanochannels with low surface energy. The fluorinated CMP (F x -CMP) membranes deliver the highest structural parameter (ε/τ) and a record n -hexane permeability of 2272 L m –2 h –1 bar –1 nm, reported to date among polymer membranes. The inertness of C–F bonds, coupled with fluorine-induced reduction in aryl electrophilicity, confers exceptional resistance to 18 M H 2 SO 4, surpassing all previously reported acid-resistant membranes. When applied to separate active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), the F x -CMP membrane achieved a 50-fold enrichment of API within 2.2 h, with a 90% reduction in CO 2 emissions compared to conventional thermal separation processes.