CD-MOF-1 for CO₂ Uptake: Remote and Hybrid Green Chemistry Synthesis of a Framework Material with Environmentally Conscious Applications

Abstract

The chemistry of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has the potential to introduce high school and undergraduate students to the fundamental chemical principles of structure and bonding, enhance the development of skills in synthesis and crystal growth, and promote hands-on experience with gas capture and host–guest chemistry of emerging materials with desirable environmental applications. However, most available experiments in the pedagogical literature involving MOFs require laboratory equipment and the use of hazardous chemicals to facilitate crystal growth and the study of structure–property relationships. To remedy this gap in the literature, this paper describes an adapted experimental approach designed specifically for a household environment or low-resource laboratory to grow, activate, and use cyclodextrin-based MOFs for CO2 uptake. This experiment implements a simple procedure that can be carried out safely without access to specialized equipment or laboratory infrastructure. Despite the simplicity of the experimental design, this experiment presents an intellectually engaging opportunity for high school and undergraduate students to explore crystal growth and nucleation, coordination chemistry, and host–guest chemistry as well as green chemistry concepts such as the choice of benign reagents and solvents, and applications of porous materials for gas uptake.

A theoretical study of the reaction of borata derivatives of benzene, anthracene and pentacene with CO2

“…1 From a chemical point of view, several systems are able to sequestrate and activate CO 2 . 2 Amines, [3][4][5] ionic liquids and eutectic solvents, [6][7][8] carbenes, [9][10][11][12][13][14] guanidines, [15][16][17] phosphines, [18][19][20][21] frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) [22][23][24][25][26][27] and metal organic frameworks (MOFs), [28][29][30] among others, fulfill these tasks.…”

Implementation of High School Level Laboratory Experiments Demonstrating Nanoscale Porosity in Metal–Organic Frameworks

“…[19][20] Despite the fierce pace of research activity, there are few experiments suitable for students just beginning their studies in chemistry (e.g., high school or early undergraduate students) that provide familiarity with and an understanding of the synthesis and properties of MOFs. [21][22][23][24][25] a) b)…”

“…Previously published articles have recommended characterization using powder Xray diffraction (PXRD), 21-22, 24, 26-30, 32-35, 38-39 gas sorption analysis, 21-22, 27-28, 33 Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 29-30, 32-35, 38-39 Raman spectroscopy, 33 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, 21,[30][31]35 thermogravimetric analysis, 21-22, 26-30, 32-35, 39 differential scanning calorimetry, 22 and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; 35 all of these instruments cost tens or hundreds of thousands of US dollars (excepting some inexpensive, low resolution FTIR instruments). As has recently been recognized, [24][25] exploring and understanding the properties of MOFs by high school and undergraduate students at under-and moderately-resourced institutions must be accomplished by avenues that do not require the use of such expensive equipment.…”

Hands-On Approach to Structure Activity Relationships of Substituted MIL-101(Fe)-X Nanozymes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Hammett Analysis

“…As an example, when the ligand substituent of MIL-53­(Fe) (MIL is an acronym for Materials of Institute Lavoisier) was modulated, their enzyme-like activities followed a Hammett-type linear energy relationship with electronic properties of substituents, as did MIL-53­(Cr) and MIL-101­(Fe) nanozymes . Such scientific research results, however, have not been applied to the teaching of molecular design and product engineering. − …”