Isophthalic acid derivative metal-organic frameworks for gas capture and separation : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science in Chemistry at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
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2022
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Massey University
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Abstract
Gas capture and separation is a relevant, dynamic field of research because gases play a vital role in our society from the synthesis of polymers and plastics to the production of fuel. Furthermore, there is an ever-increasing concentration of greenhouse gases, namely CO₂ and methane, in the atmosphere, which is leading to climate change. Various types of adsorbents and absorption-based methods have been utilized for gas capture and separation, however many of these methods are expensive and have a high energy penalty. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of adsorbents which can be made inexpensively, and they can be recycled with a low energy input, thus making them desirable materials for gas capture and separation. This thesis focuses on MOFs with small pores for gas capture and separation. The MOFs are made with isophthalic acids, which are inexpensive starting materials. The MOFs were found using the Cambridge Structural Database, analysed using a simulation software known as PoreBlazer, and then synthesized for gas adsorption analysis. Many reported synthetic procedures could not be replicated, but this led to the discovery of many new MOF materials. Together with the MOFs that could be reproduced in our laboratory, many MOFs were found with good uptakes and good selectivities for various interesting gas pairs. This thesis not only introduces several new MOFs but shows the variability of using the isophthalic acid ligand core to produce many MOF materials. Overall, several important discoveries of new MOF materials for important gas separations were made.