EAGER:Probing Oxygen Selectivity in a Flexible Metal-Organic Framework Using In Situ Spectroscopy

Lueking 155119 Penn State The proposed work seeks to design a metal organic framework (MOF) that is oxygen-selective over nitrogen at near ambient temperatures. The combined studies will assess the feasibility of using a gas-selective, structural transformation as a means for separations of gases, with a specific focus on developing a material that retains oxygen selectivity at near-ambient temperatures. Oxygen, nitrogen, and air interaction with the oxygen-selective MOF will be investigated using a combination of in situ FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, as well as gas diffusivity and adsorption measurements. The spectroscopy studies will aim to understand which specific gas-substrate chemical interactions lead to an extended induction period to delay opening of the flexible framework. The diffusivity and adsorption measurements will elucidate how this is influenced by a secondary component that drastically differs in affinity to open the structure. Developing a chemical understanding of the specific gas-surface interaction that leads to rapid opening will enable the incorporation of chemical specificity into future material design.