Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Global Conference

Among the various materials classified as highly porous, Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) consist of metal ions or clusters bonded by organic linkers. MOFs possess extraordinary properties and surface areas combined with ultrahigh porosity, explaining their value in applications ranging from catalysis and gas storage to environmental remediation. Functionalization of MOFs allows tuning of their performance, selectivity, and stability, transforming them into versatile tools in sustainable chemistry. This session will cover the principles of MOF synthesis and functionalization, focusing on the new materials and innovations impacting chemical engineering and catalysis.

MOFs are characterized by high internal surface areas, highly ordered structures, and pores that can be easily adapted for trapping and separating gases, catalyzing chemical reactions, and storing energy efficiently. This adaptability allows for the design of MOFs tailored for specific applications by modifying the metal ions or organic linkers to adjust the functional groups within the framework. This flexibility enables MOF synthesis for applications such as CO₂ capture, hydrogen storage, and the selective catalysis of industrially important chemical reactions.

Functionalization plays a key role in enhancing MOF properties and expanding their applications. Chemists can introduce targeted chemical groups or additional active sites into MOFs through functionalization. For instance, amine functionalities can improve CO₂ uptake efficiency, while doping with metal nanoparticles can create highly active catalytic systems. Functionalized MOFs demonstrate significant potential in catalysis by enabling selective transformations under mild conditions, which supports green chemistry and sustainable practices.

Functionalized MOFs offer advantages over conventional MOFs in catalysis. Acting as ""nanoreactors"" with catalytically active sites, they can catalyze reactions with high selectivity and yield. They are applicable to processes such as hydrogenation, oxidation, and polymerization, where they enhance reaction rates and selectivity while reducing the need for hazardous reagents. Due to their stability and recyclability, MOFs are suitable for industrial applications, offering a long lifespan and cost-effectiveness.

MOFs are also highly applicable in environmental applications, particularly for water purification and gas separation. Functionalized MOFs can adsorb heavy metals, remove organic contaminants, and selectively filter gases like methane and CO₂. Given the valuable versatility of MOFs in addressing air and water pollution, their performance in environmental pollution control is crucial. MOF structures can be designed to interact with specific molecules, creating materials that efficiently and sustainably manage resources.