Unexpected Selective Gas Adsorption on a ‘Non-Porous’ Metal Organic Framework

Abstract

A metal organic framework Cu(tpt)BF4·¾H2O was synthesized as a potential carbon capture material, with the aim being to exploit the Lewis base interaction of the incorporated ligand functionalities with acidic gas. The material displays high thermal stability but an exceptionally low surface area; however, this contrasts starkly with its ability to capture carbon dioxide, demonstrating significant activated diffusion within the framework. The full characterization of the material shows a robust structure, where the CO2 sorption is 120% greater than current industrial methods using liquid amine solutions; the thermal energy required for sorbent regeneration is reduced by 65%, indicating the true industrial potential of the synthesized material.