Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), also known as porous coordination polymers (PCPs), are innovative materials made up of metal ions and organic compounds that connect the metals. These super-porous materials can be precisely engineered at the molecular level, allowing researchers to control their pore size—from just a few nanometers to larger dimensions—with an extensive specific surface area ranging from 1,000 to 9,000 square meters per gram. This level of customization is challenging to achieve with traditional porous materials like activated carbon and mesoporous silica.
MOFs have gained significant attention from both industry and academic researchers due to their versatile applications. Potential uses being explored include gas adsorption, storage, and separation, as well as metal adsorption, water treatment, sensors, and biomedical applications. Green Science Alliance, a key player in this field, has been working on various types of MOFs for applications such as rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, gas adsorption, and CO2 capture through artificial photosynthesis.
Despite their advantages, the synthesis of MOFs has often been hindered by complicated and inefficient processes, limiting their practical applications. To address this issue, Dr. Ryohei Mori and Mr. Tetsuro Kajino have developed a new method that involves preparing terephthalic acid from recycled PET bottles. This approach not only lowers production costs by utilizing a solid-state synthesis method but also promotes sustainability by repurposing waste materials.
With their research, they have successfully created a range of terephthalic acid-based MOFs that can be produced affordably and sustain environmentally friendly practices. Green Science Alliance plans to implement these sustainable MOFs in various products, including rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, solid catalysts, water harvesting systems, and CO2 capture technologies, while also seeking partnerships with industries keen to utilize MOFs for various applications.
