Synthesis of Porous Materials for Cooling Applications

Abstract

Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are large, high porosity three dimensional structures made up of organic linkers (eg. terephthalic acid) and metal ions (eg. chromium). These frameworks have properties that are desirable and can be adapted for various adsorption applications such as gas storage or cooling systems. MOFs possess large water uptake characteristics, while water is an efficient adsorbate as it is very easily accessible. With modification on MOFs, adsorption properties can be changed. Hence, the aim of this project is on the synthesis and doping of MIL-101 (Cr) (Material Institut Lavoisier), and its subsequent adsorption of water. Various tests such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS), Nitrogen and Water adsorption/desorption were carried out. From Nitrogen sorption cycles, we could see that doped samples fared better than the pure samples in the optimal relative pressure range. As for water sorption cycles, the doped samples have also shown a better water adsorption rate and water retention rate, which could yet suggest their usage in cooling applications in MOF water systems.