Structural templation of Zr-MOF-derived carbons

Structural templation of Zr-MOF-derived carbons

Dr Joshua Powell, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University,

Abstract: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a promising material for a wide range of applications due to their versatility and the ease with which we can control their atomic structure, however they are severely limited by their lack of stability. This search for improved stability has led to the advent of MOF-derived carbons, porous carbon frameworks embedded with metal or metal oxide nanoparticles that are formed via thermal decomposition of MOFs. These MOF-derived carbons are significantly more stable than their template MOFs, but retaining structural information from the template MOF is challenging due to the high energy carbonization process and the largely amorphous nature of the resulting MOF-derived carbons. This presentation will describe the carbonization of several zirconium-based MOFs and structural analysis of the metal species present in the resulting MOF-derived carbons. In particular, the templating role of the MOF and metal cluster structures on the structure of the zirconium species in the MOF-derived carbons will be discussed. Additionally, the influence of secondary transition metals in the template MOF structure will be discussed, both regarding the role they play in templation of the zirconium species and their evolution as a separate species in the MOF-derived carbon.