A microporous metal–organic framework with triangular channels for C2H6/C2H4 adsorption separation

• Fe 2 BDP 3 exhibits preferential adsorption of C 2 H 6 over C 2 H 4. • C 2 H 6 /C 2 H 4 selectivity of Fe 2 BDP 3 can be as high as 2.1 at ambient condition. • The shape-matching strategy is effective for construction of C 2 H 6 -selective MOFs. For separation of ethylene (C 2 H 4 ) and ethane (C 2 H 6 ), pressure swing adsorption (PSA) with C 2 H 6 -selective porous materials is considered as an ideal alternative to traditional...