ZIF-7/PDMS mixed matrix membranes for pervaporation recovery of butanol from aqueous solution

•ZIF-7 nanoparticles were exploited in membrane pervaporation separations.•ZIF-7 nanoparticles incorporated into PDMS leads to improved total flux and separation factor for butanol aqueous solution.•Significant enrichment was achieved using MMMs for separating 5wt% butanol solution.•The as-prepared MMMs possess structural stability and integrity during long-term stability test.