Flexible and Porous Nanocellulose Aerogels with High Loadings of Metal-Organic Framework Particles for Separations Applications

Abstract

This work overcomes the longstanding challenge of processing metal-organic framework (MOF) powders into a convenient and tailorable form by entrapping them within a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) aerogel. MOFs are a new class of porous materials, assembled from metal ions or ion clusters bridged by organic ligands. Since the pioneering work on MOF-5 reported by Yaghi and co-workers,[1] MOFs have received great attention due to their large surface area and porosity, high thermal stability, and tunable pore structure. MOFs have shown great potential in various applications including gas separation[2] and storage,[3] chemical sensing,[4] catalysis,[5] and so on. Designing and preparing new MOFs,[6] post-modification of existing MOFs,[7] and fabrication of MOFs into different structures[8] are currently of great interest. However, due to the crystalline nature of MOFs, they are most commonly found in powder form and their processability and handling remain a significant challenge.[9] Integrating MOFs onto or within various substrates to produce a shapeable, cost-efficient, and chemically inert product is one way to expand the potential applications of these functional materials.