Microfluidic approach toward continuous synthesis of metal organic framework (MOF) crystals

Aims and objectives:

To research and develop synthesis techniques for the microfluidic synthesis of MOF structures, with the MOF structures produced having known applications in a variety of areas.
To test the properties and performance of MOFs produced against those formed through batch processes.
To scale up the production to Kg/day scale

Applications and benefits:

Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are porous crystalline materials, constructed by metal ions and organic polyfunctional ligands. They have shown promise in a wide range of applications such as gas storage, chemical separations, catalysis, drug delivery, etc. To meet their large-scale applications requirements, the development of facile and effective synthetic methods of MOFs is highly desirable.

Microfluidics technology offered a qualitatively superior alternative to conventional batch process for MOFs synthesis. By using microfluidic devices, 1) a number of MOFs can be manufactured without the need of bespoke equipment for each synthesis; 2) a fast synthesis of MOFs can be achieved without a loss in product quality and moreover with a precise control over their size and shape; and 3) a simple 'number-up' strategy can be applied to produce MOFs with quantities approaching those required for widespread application.

The initial plan for this project is to develop a droplet-based microfluidic synthesis route for UiO-67, which has not been previously investigated. This MOF has shown potential for applications in H2 capture and storage, CO2 capture and storage, and a range of catalytic processes. Once the non-modified form of UiO-67 has been made through this process, then the focus will shift to forming a functionalised form of UiO-67 for a specific application.

The proposed research fits well into several research areas within the EPSRC engineering portfolio, e.g. Microsystems and Manufacturing Technologies