Database for CO2 separation performances of MOFs based on computational materials screening

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are potential adsorbents for CO2 capture. Because thousands of MOFs exist, computational studies become very useful in identifying the top performing materials for target applications in a time-effective manner. In this study, molecular simulations were performed to screen the MOF database to identify the best materials for CO2 separation from flue gas (CO2/N-2) and landfill gas (CO2/CH4) under realistic operating conditions. We validated the accuracy of our computational approach by comparing the simulation results for the CO2 uptakes, CO2/N-2 and CO2/CH4 selectivities of various types of MOFs with the available experimental data. Binary CO2/N-2 and CO2/CH4 mixture adsorption data were then calculated for the entire MOF database. These data were then used to predict selectivity, working capacity, regenerability, and separation potential of MOFs. The top performing MOF adsorbents that can separate CO2/N-2 and CO2/CH4 with high performance were identified. Molecular simulations for the adsorption of a ternary CO2/N-2/CH4 mixture were performed for these top materials to provide a more realistic performance assessment of MOF adsorbents. The structure-performance analysis showed that MOFs with Delta Q(st)(0) > 30 kJ/mol, 3.8 angstrom 1 g/cm(3) are the best candidates for selective separation of CO2 from flue gas and landfill gas. This information will be very useful to design novel MOFs exhibiting high CO2 separation potentials. Finally, an online, freely accessible database https://cosmoserc.ku.edu.tr was established, for the first time in the literature, which reports all of the computed adsorbent metrics of 3816 MOFs for CO2/N-2, CO2/CH4, and CO2/N-2/CH4 separations in addition to various structural properties of MOFs.European Research Counci

Dilute nitride resonant-cavity light emitting diode

Resonant cavity LEDs (RCLEDs) are a viable and low-cost alternative light source to lasers for optical communication systems in the 1.3 µm O-band. Most work in this area has been conducted on InP-based material, which is inherently costly, devices often require cooling and the refractive index contrast for constructing mirrors is low. Here, we demonstrate a high-performance GaAs-based RCLED using a dilute nitride GaInNAs active layer emitting in the 1.3 μm wavelength window. While previous 1.3 µm RCLEDs have used metallic mirrors on the back of the device, we exploit the high refractive index contrast of the GaAs/AlAs system to place Distributed Bragg mirrors on both sides of the active layer and achieve superior performance. The external quantum efficiency of the devices is 20% and the full width at half maximum of the emission spectrum is 5.2 nm at room temperature, into a narrow angular cone. The emission power from an 88 μm diameter aperture is 0.5 mW, which, together with the narrow spectral linewidth, makes the device suitable for deployment in a coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) communications system

Metal-organic framework based mixed matrix membranes: a solution for highly efficient CO2 capture?

The field of metal-organic framework based mixed matrix membranes (M(4)s) is critically reviewed, with special emphasis on their application in CO2 capture during energy generation. After introducing the most relevant parameters affecting membrane performance, we define targets in terms of selectivity and productivity based on existing literature on process design for pre- and post-combustion CO2 capture. Subsequently, the state of the art in M(4)s is reviewed against these targets. Because final application of these membranes will only be possible if thin separation layers can be produced, the latest advances in the manufacture of M-4 hollow fibers are discussed. Finally, the recent efforts in understanding the separation performance of these complex composite materials and future research directions are outlined.European Commission FP7 608490 ERC 33574

Current trend in synthesis, Post-Synthetic modifications and biological applications of Nanometal-Organic frameworks (NMOFs)

Since the early reports of MOFs and their interesting properties, research involving these materials has grown wide in scope and applications. Various synthetic approaches have ensued in view of obtaining materials with optimised properties, the extensive scope of application spanning from energy, gas sorption, catalysis biological applications has meant exponentially evolved over the years. The far‐reaching synthetic and PSM approaches and porosity control possibilities have continued to serve as a motivation for research on these materials. With respect to the biological applications, MOFs have shown promise as good candidates in applications involving drug delivery, BioMOFs, sensing, imaging amongst others. Despite being a while away from successful entry into the market, observed results in sensing, drug delivery, and imaging put these materials on the spot light as candidates poised to usher in a revolution in biology. In this regard, this review article focuses current approaches in synthesis, post functionalization and biological applications of these materials with particular attention on drug delivery, imaging, sensing and BioMOFs

High-Throughput Molecular Simulations of Metal Organic Frameworks for CO2 Separation: Opportunities and Challenges

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as great alternatives to traditional nanoporous materials for CO2 separation applications. MOFs are porous materials that are formed by self-assembly of transition metals and organic ligands. The most important advantage of MOFs over well-known porous materials is the possibility to generate multiple materials with varying structural properties and chemical functionalities by changing the combination of metal centers and organic linkers during the synthesis. This leads to a large diversity of materials with various pore sizes and shapes that can be efficiently used for CO2 separations. Since the number of synthesized MOFs has already reached to several thousand, experimental investigation of each MOF at the lab-scale is not practical. High-throughput computational screening of MOFs is a great opportunity to identify the best materials for CO2 separation and to gain molecular-level insights into the structure–performance relationships. This type of knowledge can be used to design new materials with the desired structural features that can lead to extraordinarily high CO2 selectivities. In this mini-review, we focused on developments in high-throughput molecular simulations of MOFs for CO2 separations. After reviewing the current studies on this topic, we discussed the opportunities and challenges in the field and addressed the potential future developments

Data for: Molecular Simulations of COFs, IRMOFs and ZIFs for Adsorption-based Separation of Carbon Tetrachloride from Air

Structural properties of COFs, IRMOFs and ZIFs, Infinite dilution adsorption selectivitie

High CO₂ Selectivity of an Amine-Functionalized Metal Organic Framework in Adsorption-Based and Membrane-Based Gas Separations

Molecular simulations were used to assess the potential of a new amine-functionalized metal organic framework (MOF), Zn-aminotriazolato-oxalate (Zn-Atz), in adsorption-based and membrane-based gas separations. Single-component adsorption isotherms for CO₂, H₂, CH₄, and N₂ were computed and compared with the available experimental isotherm data. The good agreement between experiments and simulations motivated us to predict adsorption equilibria and transport rates of CH₄/H₂, CO₂/H₂, CO₂/CH₄, and CO₂/N₂ mixtures in Zn-Atz. We then used this molecular-level information to evaluate adsorption selectivity, permeation selectivity, working capacity, gas permeability, and sorbent selection parameter of Zn-Atz for CH₄/H₂, CO₂/H₂, CO₂/CH₄, and CO₂/N₂ separations. The separation performance of Zn-Atz was compared with several other nanoporous adsorbents and membranes. Finally, the selectivity and permeability of mixed matrix membranes where Zn-Atz was used as filler particles were evaluated by combining molecular simulations and continuum modeling. Our results showed that this amine-functionalized MOF is a very good candidate especially for separation of CO₂ from other gases both in adsorption-based and membrane-based separations due to its high affinity for CO₂