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

Abstract

Inorganic chemistry draws from many other disciplines of chemistry including organic, analytical, and physical chemistry, making it ideal for teaching foundational topics in high school and introductory undergraduate chemistry curricula. However, students rarely experience modern inorganic materials in introductory classes for a variety of reasons, including complexity of materials synthesis, expense of materials and instrumentation needed to analyze or demonstrate properties, and potential safety concerns. In this study, we use metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as a modern class of materials that is both emblematic of the interdisciplinary nature of inorganic chemistry and capable of straightforward synthesis and application in introductory chemistry settings. We designed seven laboratory experiences for high school and new undergraduate students that include two MOF syntheses and five follow up gas and solution adsorption experiments. These experiments use low-toxicity reagents and solvents, can be carried out with minimal levels of expertise, and necessitate only common equipment such as laboratory balances and hot plates.