Synthesis, Characterization and Gas Adsorption Analysis of Solvent Dependent Zn-BTC Metal Organic Frameworks /

Abstract

The global energy demand is predicted to boost by 2/3 in coming 30 years and with the fossil fuel as a main source of energy, power generation will be responsible for almost 1/2 the increase in CO2 global emissions from 2000 to 2030. Therefore, some tangible measures are required to alleviate atmospheric levels of CO2. Among all post-combustion CO2 capture methods, adsorbents have aptitude for energy saving and lowering the cost if they assure high CO2 adsorption capacities and selectivity with regenerability and durability. Metal Organic Frameworks MOFs provide an excellent opportunity to develop an adsorbent that has aptitude for energy saving and lowering the cost whilst assuring high carbon dioxide adsorption capacities and selectivity with regenerability and durability. One of the barriers in commercialization of MOFs is the usage of costly solvents and this research is based on identifying the effect of solvents on zinc and 1,3,5-benzene tri-carboxylic acid based MOFs synthesis, gas adsorption capacity and costs. All the MOFs prepared were characterized and further tested for carbon dioxide adsorption capacities. The results highlight that the textural properties of prepared MOFs depends largely on solvents utilized. Also the carbon dioxide adsorption capacity of MOFs prepared using DMF at high temperatures showed better adsorption as compared with the one prepared with Ethanol:De-ionized water. This research also elaborates the fact that if there is a possibility that replacing the expensive solvents for MOF synthesis with low cost solvents without compromising the gas adsorption performance of MOF, then the cost of commercialization of MOF can be reduced.