| abstract |
The present invention relates to the selective separation of methane ('CH 4 ') from higher carbon number hydrocarbons ('HHCs) in streams containing both methane and higher carbon number hydrocarbons (e.g. ethylene, ethane, propylene, propane, etc.) utilizing a zeolitic imidazolate framework ('ZIF') material. Preferably, the stream to be separated is fed to the present process in a substantially gaseous phase. In preferred embodiments, the current invention is utilized in a process to separate methane from higher carbon number hydrocarbons in natural gas streams. |