The Design and Applications of Paddle-wheel based Metal Organic Nanaosheets
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
The liquid exfoliation of layered materials into two-dimensional nanosheets has attracted significant recent attention, most prominently with graphene but also many other layered oxides, clays and organic polymers. Metal-organic materials combine the tunability of organic linkers with the unique properties of metal ions allowing the creation of diverse, well defined architectures with tailored properties. To date, discrete metal-organic frameworks (3D), polymers (1D) and polyhedra (0D) have been developed extensively for applications ranging from 'smart' materials and sensors, to light harvesting, gas storage and drug delivery. In contrast, research into 2D metal-organic nanosheets (MONs) is in its infancy.
MONs share many advantages of other porous metal-organic materials in terms of the ease with which their structures can be varied and new properties introduced. However, their 2D structure, vast surface area and colloidal nature open up new opportunities for creating sensors, catalysts and smart-materials. In order to realise the potential applications of MONs we must first understand the rules governing the exfoliation of layered materials to form 2D nanosheets. This PhD will focus on developing the techniques and understanding required to study and exploit this exciting new class of materials.
MONs share many advantages of other porous metal-organic materials in terms of the ease with which their structures can be varied and new properties introduced. However, their 2D structure, vast surface area and colloidal nature open up new opportunities for creating sensors, catalysts and smart-materials. In order to realise the potential applications of MONs we must first understand the rules governing the exfoliation of layered materials to form 2D nanosheets. This PhD will focus on developing the techniques and understanding required to study and exploit this exciting new class of materials.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Jonathan Foster (Primary Supervisor) | |
| David Ashworth (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509735/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1797126 | Studentship | EP/N509735/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2019 | David Ashworth |
| Description | We have developed a series of layered materials (metal-organic frameworks - MOFs) and explored the exfoliation of these to form a new class of 2D material (metal-organic framework nanosheets - MONs). Functionalisation of the layers' surfaces with different moieties has allowed property control of the MONs formed. We have systematically studied the effect of altering these surface functionalities, in order to influence the exfoliation process, and the quality (in terms of size) of the MONs produced. We have optimised the exfoliation procedure, using ultrasonic waves as an energetic input to separate the layers. In order to fully explore these systems, we have collaborated both internally and internationally with well-established research groups to make use of expertise and access to equipment. |
| Exploitation Route | Further exploration of similar materials will continue, both in our group and others around the world, as the interest in new 2D materials grows. The ability to impart functionality to surfaces on a molecular level may be highly desirable. The ability to tune the properties of the 2D materials through making small changes to the molecular make-up means these materials are likely to become increasingly well-studied. Others may take the knowledge of how to tune the materials and apply this to their own systems, or use the insights into exfoliation optimisation for their own materials. The use of MONs within composite materials is beginning to be demonstrated within the literature, and this seems likely to snowball as new applications are found. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Electronics,Environment,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | Presenting to MPs in Parliament, STEM for Britain 2018 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Approximately 100 MPs and other interested parties attended the STEM for Britain 2018 poster presentation, which aims to showcase high quality research to MPs and policy makers in a celebration of STEM subjects. MPs were interested, and the local MP of the area was spoken to, raising awareness of the research undertaken. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | http://www.setforbritain.org.uk/2018event.asp |