Ultra-Light Metal–Organic Frameworks (ULMOFs) John B. Parise, SUNY at Stony Brook, DMR 0800415

CHE 0535644 ChemMatCARS

A wide range of metal centers and multi-functional organic linkers are used to construct metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). MOFs are potentially useful for gas storage, ion exchange, catalysis, and separation. Typically, first-row transition metals are used as centers. In contrast, we are using an ultra-light metal (Li) and other relatively unexplored main group metals (Mg, Al, Ga) as centers to discover new topologies with potential for new applications. Light-weight (Li, Mg, Al) metal centers are important to reduce the overall weight of a gas storage apparatus.

We were able to synthesize a wide range of MOFs of novel topology using Li, Mg, and Ga metal centers with various organic linkers. Recent studies showed increased uptake of H2 with lithium-doped MOFs because of strong interaction of adsorbed gas molecules with the lithium centers. We are testing various MOFs using main group and ultra-light metal centers synthesized in our lab for gas adsorption. Synchrotron radiation at APS (ChemMATCARS) was used to collect structure data on some ULMOFs that form as microcrystals that cannot be characterized by other methods.

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Li2(2,5-PDC)·(DMF)

PDC = pyridinedicarboxylate

Li2(4,4’-BPDC)

BPDC = biphenyldibenzoiate

Ga3 (1,3,5-BTC)4

A highly porous MOF with

gallium metal center

BTC = benznetricarboxylate