Design, Synthesis, and Characterisation of Metal–Organic Framework Crystal–Glass Composites (MOF CGCs)
type: CreativeWork
description: Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a highly topical class of three-dimensional porous materials proposed for applications such as gas storage, separations, and catalysis. Typically, MOFs are synthesised as microcrystalline powders of nanometer- to millimetre-sized particles ill-suited to industrial settings without prior processing. However, recent research has revealed solid-liquid transitions within the family, which is used here to create a class of functional, stable and porous composite materials. Described herein is the design, synthesis and characterisation of MOF crystal–glass composites formed by dispersing crystalline MOFs within a MOF glass matrix. The first of these novel materials incorporates MIL 53 within a ZIF 62 glass matrix where the crystalline phase’s coordinative bonding and chemical structure are preserved. Whilst the phases are separated, the interfacial interactions between the proximate microdomains improve the mechanical properties of the glass composite. More significantly, the high-temperature, open-pore phase of MIL 53, which spontaneously transforms to a narrow pore phase upon cooling in the presence of water, is stabilised at room temperature in the crystal–glass composite. This leads to a significant improvement in CO2 adsorption capacity. This enhancement is further explored and maximised by synthesising a compositional series of composites. The distribution and integrity of the crystalline component in this series were determined, and these findings were used to identify the maximum crystalline loading and maximum CO2 adsorption capacity. In addition to the study of MIL 53, other MOF crystal-glass composite (MOF CGC) systems were explored, and the thermal stability considerations in the formation of MOF CGCs are highlighted. Resultantly, two separate MOFs were identified, MIL 118 and UL MOF 1, with which MOF CGCs were successfully synthesised. These new materials, alongside the prototypical MOF CGC, formed using MIL 53, were studie…
abstract: Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a highly topical class of three-dimensional porous materials proposed for applications such as gas storage, separations, and catalysis. Typically, MOFs are synthesised as microcrystalline powders of nanometer- to millimetre-sized particles ill-suited to industrial settings without prior processing. However, recent research has revealed solid-liquid transitions within the family, which is used here to create a class of functional, stable and porous composite materials. Described herein is the design, synthesis and characterisation of MOF crystal–glass composites formed by dispersing crystalline MOFs within a MOF glass matrix. The first of these novel materials incorporates MIL 53 within a ZIF 62 glass matrix where the crystalline phase’s coordinative bonding and chemical structure are preserved. Whilst the phases are separated, the interfacial interactions between the proximate microdomains improve the mechanical properties of the glass composite. More significantly, the high-temperature, open-pore phase of MIL 53, which spontaneously transforms to a narrow pore phase upon cooling in the presence of water, is stabilised at room temperature in the crystal–glass composite. This leads to a significant improvement in CO2 adsorption capacity. This enhancement is further explored and maximised by synthesising a compositional series of composites. The distribution and integrity of the crystalline component in this series were determined, and these findings were used to identify the maximum crystalline loading and maximum CO2 adsorption capacity. In addition to the study of MIL 53, other MOF crystal-glass composite (MOF CGC) systems were explored, and the thermal stability considerations in the formation of MOF CGCs are highlighted. Resultantly, two separate MOFs were identified, MIL 118 and UL MOF 1, with which MOF CGCs were successfully synthesised. These new materials, alongside the prototypical MOF CGC, formed using MIL 53, were studie…
author: Ashling, Christopher
language: eng
keywords: Metal-Organic Framework, MOF, Composites, MOF Glass, Metal-Organic Framework Crystal-Glass Composites, MOF CGCs
license: https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/bitstreams/dc4ee02c-3b31-4b3b-8781-5480e8f8bdb1/download
license: https://www.rioxx.net/licenses/all-rights-reserved/
date published: 2021-10-22
date modified: 2026-07-22T22:23:53Z
provider: Cambridge University
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Cambridge

PropertyValue
property ID: DOI
value: 10.17863/CAM.77113