Background

Fluorinated metal-organic frameworks (FMOFs) structures have hydrogen atoms that have been partially or fully substituted with fluorine atoms or fluorinated ligands thereby enabling adsorption and desorption of gases and other molecules. FMOFs may contain a broad array of materials and adopt a multiple configurations. FMOF materials generally include porous fluorinated triazolate metal atoms of the main group, transition metal series, and lanthanide series of the periodic system of elements. Other ligands with two or more donor groups may be substituted when necessary.

Technology Overview

There are a variety of FMOF structures: FMOF-1 consists of a semi-rectangular shaped framework of open-ended tubular structures with a hydrophobic internal cavity; FMOF-2 is a supramolecular polymorphic FMOF-1 framework having both open channels and open cavities; FMOF-3 is a polymorphic FMOF-1 and FMOF-2 structure that contains only small cavities; and FMOF-4 is a polymorphic combination of FMOF-1, FMOF-2 and FMOF-3 containing only small cavities. The wide array of structure allows FMOFs to be implemented in a wide array of storage applications. In addition, FMOF-3 and FMOF-4 contain only small cavities and are therefore ideal for gas storage applications ().

FMOFs include a wide array of properties that make them ideal for gas storage applications, in particular hydrogen storage applications. The FMOF coated frameworks impart incredible stability as atoms are protected under fluorinated walls creating thermal-, air- and photo-stability. In addition, FMOFs are highly soluble in organic solvents and are highly dense which is paramount in gas storage applications.

The FMOF molecules contain open channels/cavities that store gas or other molecules, such as Hydrogen, at relatively high pressure and/or low temperatures; thereby maximizing gas adsorption and storage capacity. The gas molecules are then released either by decreasing pressure and/or increasing temperature. In addition, to Hydrogen storage applications FMOFs may also be used to store or transport other gases such as methane, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, vapors of hazardous organic solvents or other molecules.

Stage of Development

Reduced to practice and Available for Licensing

Benefits

Large Range of Applications
Available as Large Channel or Small Cavity Structures
Cooperative Interacting Binding Channels/Cavities
Effective, Economic and Safe Hydrogen Storage
Improved Specificity and Selectivity for Gases
Enhanced Thermal Stability
Increased Catalytic Activity
Decreased Degradation to Light and Oxidation
Increased Stability
Novel Functional Properties Including:
Superacidity
Enhanced Hydrophobicity
Low Surface Energy
Low Refraction
Exceptional Inertness

Fluorinated Metal-Organic Frameworks for Gas Storage

Patents

IP Status

Seeking