Gas-Phase Metal Deposition in Metal-Organic Frameworks

NU 2013-064

 

Inventors

Omar K. Farha*

Joseph T. Hupp

Joseph E. Mondloch

Wojciech Bury

 

Short Description

Simple method for introducing various metals into metal-organic frameworks efficiently

 

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a hybrid class of materials comprised of inorganic nodes and organic linkers. The metal sites in MOFs are essential for catalysis, gas storage and gas separation. Introduction of metals into MOFs has traditionally been accomplished using metal solutions, which is effective, but requires considerable effort to ensure excess reagents are removed after metalation is complete. To improve currently available processes for metalation of MOFs, Northwestern University researchers have developed a novel synthetic strategy for introducing metals from the gas phase. This strategy depends on a novel zirconium-based MOF of their design, called NU-1000. NU-1000 is stable at high temperatures, contains mesoporous (2-50 nanometer) channels and spatially oriented functional groups. Together, NU-1000 and gas phase metalation open up many new research avenues. Most importantly, these discoveries simplify MOF metalation processes currently in use, which will provide a boost to MOF production and implementation.

 

Applications

  • Heterogeneous catalysis
  • Gas adsorption and separation
  • Sensors

 

Advantages

  • Eliminates purification and activation steps
  • Increases the variety of metals that can be incorporated

 

Publications

Mondloch JE, Bury Wojciech, Fairen-Jimenez D, Kwon S, DeMarco EJ, Weston MH, Sarjeant AA, Nguyen SBT, Stair PC, Snurr RQ, Farha OK, Hupp JT (2013) Vapor-Phase Metalation by Atomic Layer Deposition in a Metal-Organic Framework . Journal of the American Chemical Society. 135: 10294-10297.

 

IP Status

US patent application has been filed.

 

Tags MATERIALS: MOF

Patent Information: