Preparation and Applications of Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs): A Laboratory Activity and Demonstration for High School and/or Undergraduate Students

Abstract

The chemistry of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a new class of emerging crystalline porous solids with three-dimensional (3D) networks composed of metals and multidentate organic molecules, was introduced by using three differently shaped crystals. We reported new and mild MOF synthesis methods that are simple and devised to be performed in high school or primarily undergraduate school settings. MOF applications were demonstrated by use of our synthesized MOFs in the capture of iodine as a potentially hazardous molecule from solution and as a drug delivery system. These applications can be visually confirmed in minutes. Students can gain knowledge on advanced topics, such as drug delivery systems, through these easy-to-prepare MOFs. Furthermore, students can gain an understanding of powder X-ray analysis and ultraviolet–visible near-infrared spectroscopy. This laboratory experience is practical, including synthesis and application of MOFs. The entire experiment has also been recorded as an educational video posted on YouTube as a free public medium for students to watch and learn. In this paper we first report the steps we took to synthesize and analyze the MOFs, followed by a description of a simple demonstration that we verified to effectively exhibit adsorption by MOFs. We conclude with a description of how the laboratory activity and demonstration were implemented in an undergraduate chemistry laboratory.

Facile Synthesis of a Metal–Organic Framework for Removal of Methyl Blue from Water: First-Year Undergraduate Teaching Lab

“…However, because of the time limitation, commercial ZIF-8 was provided to the students instead. It is worth mentioning that another colorful substance such as iodine can also be used as the guest to demonstrate the adsorption ability of ZIF-8 . ZIF-8 exhibits an effective pore size of 3.4 Å, which is smaller than the size of MB molecules (24.2 Å × 14.8 Å, Figure b).…”

“…Liu et al proposed an ultrasonic-assisted method for the synthesis of HKUST-1 (HKUST = Hong Kong University of Science and Technology) with a highlight on green and sustainable chemistry . Very recently, Sakamaki et al reported the mild synthesis of a series of MOFs, including MOF-5, ZIF-8, and MIL-101 (Fe) (MIL = Materials of Institute Lavoisier) and applied them to iodine capture and drug encapsulation . These good examples have provided insightful guidance on how to introduce MOFs in undergraduate or high school laboratory classes.…”

Using a Faculty-Developed Documentary-Style Film to Communicate Authentic Chemistry Research to a High School Audience

“…The chemistry content that was the focus of the video dealt with metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), as this is the main focus of one area of the author’s scholarly research. MOFs are microscopic particles with large surface areas that are porous and can be used therefore in the adsorption of certain target chemicals and/or to deliver target chemicals stored within them to specific active sites often for medical purposes. − Additionally, these substances are crystalline in nature and as such hold very specific molecular geometries that can be viewed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the latter of which produces nice three-dimensional images. Figure displays the synthesis process and chemical structures for the MOFs utilized in this project.…”

Recent advances in oriented metal–organic frameworks for supercapacitive energy storage

“…22 Compared to conventional electrode materials, MOF-based electrodes have gained prominence as an emergent class of porous crystalline materials due to their fascinating structural features, high porosity, varied architectures, and tailored functionalities. 25 MOFs have found their widespread application in gas storage systems, 26 aqueous energy devices, 20,27–31 catalysis, 32 and so on.…”