Functionalised Metal-Organic Framework Materials
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bath
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
The PhD project will focus on the inclusion of functional guest molecules within metal-organic frameworks and other porous materials, and will involve two work packages.
WP1 builds upon recent results obtained through the EPSRC-supported metastable materials project. We have shown that switchable molecules can be included as guests within MOFs, and that isolation within the pores of a MOF allows photochemical switching to occur in the solid state, whereas this is prevented in the pure compound by intermolecular interactions. We will extend the range of examples that show this behaviour, concentrating on the use of flexible MOFs to crystallographically order the guests, and also the use of guests which show different colours in the ground and metastable states. We will also incorporate switchable guests into porous processable polymers such as PIM-1, and into cage molecules which have intrinsic porosity, as this will allow us to interrogate the switching processes by NMR spectroscopy in addition to crystallography.
WP2 will look at the inclusion of biologically active guests within MOFs. Although there have been many high profile publications showing the inclusion (and release) of drug molecules from MOFs, other biological guests have received considerably less attention. Our recent results have shown that insect pheromones can be included into MOFs and slowly released, and that these can be used to attract pest species. The next step in this work is to also include pesticides within MOFs, so that bait can both attract and kill pest species. Initial work will concentrate on either using fluorous MOFs, to increase affinity with pesticides such as sulfluramid, or using cyclodextrin-based MOFs as these are cheap, edible and environmentally friendly.
WP1 builds upon recent results obtained through the EPSRC-supported metastable materials project. We have shown that switchable molecules can be included as guests within MOFs, and that isolation within the pores of a MOF allows photochemical switching to occur in the solid state, whereas this is prevented in the pure compound by intermolecular interactions. We will extend the range of examples that show this behaviour, concentrating on the use of flexible MOFs to crystallographically order the guests, and also the use of guests which show different colours in the ground and metastable states. We will also incorporate switchable guests into porous processable polymers such as PIM-1, and into cage molecules which have intrinsic porosity, as this will allow us to interrogate the switching processes by NMR spectroscopy in addition to crystallography.
WP2 will look at the inclusion of biologically active guests within MOFs. Although there have been many high profile publications showing the inclusion (and release) of drug molecules from MOFs, other biological guests have received considerably less attention. Our recent results have shown that insect pheromones can be included into MOFs and slowly released, and that these can be used to attract pest species. The next step in this work is to also include pesticides within MOFs, so that bait can both attract and kill pest species. Initial work will concentrate on either using fluorous MOFs, to increase affinity with pesticides such as sulfluramid, or using cyclodextrin-based MOFs as these are cheap, edible and environmentally friendly.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509589/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1789824 | Studentship | EP/N509589/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/03/2020 | Daniel Rixson |
| Description | Several new functionalised organic ligands have been designed and synthesised. These have been used in the synthesis of novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), generating over 30 new MOF structures. These exhibit a wide variety of interesting structural features and topologies, which are anticipated to application in a wide variety of fields. Functionalised MOFs have been investigated for use as hosts for guest pheromones and semiochemicals with a view to improving the lifetime and efficiency of lure based traps for pest insect species. It has been shown that the uptake and release properties can be tuned by varying the functional groups present in the MOF host. Three different semiochemicals were investigated and all showed release periods exceeding that attributed to commercially available traps. |
| Exploitation Route | The novel MOFs synthesised could have a variety of potential impacts in different sectors. The applications will depend on the further investigation of these materials and their properties. Initial studies highlighted sensing of nitrobenzenes and catalysis as possible applications. The pheromone investigation has shown that control over the release of semiochemicals can be achieved using functionalised MOFs. This could be used to improve the efficiency and lifetime of lure traps, used in the agricultural industry. It also allows a more targeted approach to pest management, which is of great benefit to the environment. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Energy,Environment,Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |