Dynamics of Nanoscale Self-Assembled Porous Materials

The goal of this research program is to gain a deep mechanistic understanding of the dynamics and assembly of porous, self-assembled materials, with a focus on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The primary analytical tool in this program will be a variety of in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques including environmental (ETEM), liquid cell (LCTEM), and other related methods that allow for the study of these materials in real time and in the presence of gases or liquids. It should be noted that these in situ TEM methods themselves are highly innovative and cutting-edge, such that the methods developed and used in this program will enable the study of other porous materials, such as covalent-organic frameworks (COFs)3 and porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs). The Gianneschi group will be primarily focused on the development and implementation of these electron microscopy methodologies.