New metal-organic framework for indoor CO2 capture
Metal-organic framework materials (MOFs) represent a diverse class of compounds, typically featuring an ordered microporous structure and a high specific surface area. Their synthesis allows precise control over composition and properties, enabling the development of materials with tailored physicochemical characteristics for specific applications. Because of this, MOFs are also promising for CO2 capture from the air. By carefully designing the structure—optimizing pore size and appropriately functionalizing the framework—they can be adapted for efficient CO2 capture under ambient conditions.
Researchers from the Department of Inorganic Chemistry and Technology in collaboration with the Department of Catalysis and Reaction Engineering, have designed a new zinc-oxalate MOF based on diaminotriazolate—NICS-24—which shows promise for effective CO2 capture in indoor environments at concentrations between 400 and 2000 ppm. The material achieves a capacity of 0.7 mmol/g (3 wt.%) at 2 mbar and 25 °C, surpassing the capabilities of the related benchmark material for post-combustion CO2 capture - zinc-oxalate-triazolate framework, CALF-20, which has a CO2 uptake capacity of only 0.17 mmol/g under these conditions. In the presence of humidity, NICS-24 retains its structural integrity; however, the presence of water decreases CO2 capacity. Advanced characterization methods have confirmed that water preferentially adsorbs in the framework due to strong hydrogen bonding, outcompeting CO2. This understanding of CO2 and H2O interactions within the framework enables a new approach to the rational design of materials for more efficient, energy-effective CO2 capture.
Acess link: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202424747
Contact: matjaz.mazaj(at)ki.si