Activation of Porous MOF Materials

Activation of Porous Materials via Supercritical CO2 NU 2009-193 Inventors Joseph Hupp Omar Farha Abstract Northwestern researchers have developed a method that significantly increases the gas-accessible surface area and activity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Because of their microporosity and large internal surface areas, MOFs are attractive materials for a number of applications, such as chemical separations, size-selective molecular catalysis, and chemical fuel storage and release. However, MOF preparation runs do not yield consistent surface area, and the total area is often less than calculated values according to computational and single-crystal X-ray structural studies. To address this issue, Northwestern investigators discovered a simple process that removes residual MOF synthesis contaminants and yields structures that have significantly greater surface area and enhanced utility. Applications o Chemical Separation o Size-selective molecular catalysis o Fuel storage and release Advantages o Simple process o Effective removal of residual MOF contaminants o Reproducible o Significantly greater interior surface area o Enhanced utility Publication Nelson A, Farha O, Mulfort K, Hupp J (2008) Supercritical Processing as a Route to High Internal Surface Areas and Permanent Microporosity in Metal-Organic Framework Materials. Journal of American Chemical Society. 131: 458-460. IP Status A patent application has been filed. Northwestern seeks to develop the discovery.