Section II, A2, G-7.5 Metal-Organic Framework Materials for Force Protection

Abstract: Improvised chemical threats based on toxic industrial chemicals pose a significant threat to both soldier and civilian populations. This proposal aims to develop multifunctional materials that could be capable of simultaneously displaying chemical-agent-selective signaling, capture, and destruction of toxic industrial chemicals. Designed metal–organic framework materials (MOFs) have the potential to be multifunctional. To fully realize this potential, we will take advantage of several recent advances in metal–organic framework chemistry, including: (a) The ability to grow functional MOFs via Layer-by-Layer (L-B-L) (b) Systematically tailoring mesoporous MOFs via Atomic-Layer Deposition (ALD) (b) Systematically functionalization of mesoporous MOFs via Solvent Assisted Linker Exchange (SALE) Proposed Statement of Work: 1. Functional L-B-L Assembled Systems • Stepwise growth of single-, dual- and three-component MOF-based materials • Incorporation of metal-oxide nanoparticles within L-B-L encapsulants • Synthesis of multifunctional materials capable of signaling, capture, and destruction • Large-area L-B-L syntheses • Conformal L-B-L growth on non-flat surfaces 2. Enabling Multifunctional Materials for Force Protection with MOF Platforms and ALD • Synthesis of zirconium hydroxide clusters within NU-1000 for SO2 and cyanogen chloride capture and transformation • Synthesis of copper oxide clusters within NU-1000 for the capture of ammonia • Synthesis of titanium dioxide clusters within NU-1000 as photochemical generators of hydroxyl radicals for chemical agent destruction. 3. Enabling Multifunctional Materials for Force Protections in MOF Platforms by SALE • Incorporation of perfluroalkanes within NU-1000 for enhanced ammonia uptake • Incorporation of other organic functionalities within NU-1000 capable of destruction (e.g., oligomeric phenol incorporation for redox-reactive capture of chlorine) and modification (e.g., chel