Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials with ultra-high surface areas that offer a significant amount of versatility. The material could potentially be used in advanced batteries, devices that rapidly detect toxic gases, and alternative rocket fuels. It could also be used in the field of carbon capture, which Australian researchers have already verified with a sponge-like device that successfully absorbed CO2.
MOFs offer the largest surface area of any known material due to their crystalline structure made of metal ions. It’s claimed that MOFs are so porous they can even fit the entire surface of a football field in only one teaspoon, a characteristic that offers incredible potential. This material makes it possible to store, separate, release, or protect valuable commodities, empowering businesses to manufacture high-value products.
For years, scientists have looked to harness this potential as they worked on carbon capture and storage technologies. Some potential advances were made, including MOFs that can be crafted into 3D lattice structures with fine holes that trap CO2 while allowing other molecules to pass through.
Researchers at Australia’s Monash University and the Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), have developed the most recent MOF, which they called M-74 CPT@PTMSP. This MOF features magnetic nanoparticles that make it work like a “magnetic sponge,” which enables it to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere using only a third of the energy of any other known method.
A lead author of the study, Associate Professor Matthew Hill from the CSIRO, said:
Our research shows the lowest reported regeneration energy calculated for any solid porous adsorbent, including monoethanolamide, piperazine, and other amines. This makes it a cheap method that can be paired with renewable solar energy to capture excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Essentially, we can capture CO2 from anywhere. Our current focus is for capture directly from the air in what is known as negative emissions technologies.
The energy cost of the material is 45% lower than commercially available materials and is the highest energy efficiency carbon capture and storage ever recorded. The team also demonstrate its stability over 20 consecutive capture and release cycles; and published the research in the journal Cell Reports.
