Functional MOF/ polymer nanocomposites with improved processability for sustainable energy applications

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a family of permanently nanoporous materials with tailorable pore size and geometries, which show promise for a wide range of applications including selective gas storage, selective separation, catalysis, and drug delivery. In particular, as concerns for climate change continue to increase, and fossil fuels continue to be depleted, MOFs have received significant attention regarding their use as a high density gas adsorbent for carbon capture and storage (CSS) and sustainable energy storage. However, MOFs have been severely limited by their low stability in air, and incompatibility with liquid systems. Whilst research has predominantly focused on the development of crystalline MOFs in the solid-state, recent advances in the field of porous liquids has shifted attention to the exploration of liquid MOF phases. This PhD project therefore aims to firstly explore methods of preventing MOF degradation in air, and secondly aims to develop a liquid-MOF system. The development of novel porous liquids analogous to air-stable solid-state MOFs could enable selective adsorption in liquid systems, whilst also presenting the advantages of rapid mass transfer, fast kinetics, and fluidity. The implementation of such MOFs has huge potential in storing hydrogen as a clean energy carrier with improved efficiency, and is of upmost importance for the removal of carbon dioxide from industrial processes to limit global warming to 1.5C.