MOFs fall into the same general category as meta-materials, related to nano-this and graphene-that. These articles are a reminder that we're in for a whole new world. Kind of like what plastic did for the post-war world we live in today, or the synthetic chemical revolution of the late 1800's that gave our world "colors".
Image credit: Metal Organic Framework by Mike Gipple at NETL
Programmable synthetic materials
Aug 2020, phys.org
In the future, MOFs could form the basis of programmable chemical molecules: for instance, an MOF could be programmed to introduce an active pharmaceutical ingredient into the body to target infected cells and then break down the active ingredient into harmless substances once it is no longer needed. Or MOFs could be programmed to release different drugs at different times.via University of California Berkeley: Sequencing of metals in multivariate metal-organic frameworks, Science (2020). DOI: 10.1126/science.aaz4304
Breakthrough technology purifies water using the power of sunlight
Aug 2020, phys.org
Metal-organic frameworks are a class of compounds consisting of metal ions that form a crystalline material with the largest surface area of any material known. In fact, MOFs are so porous that they can fit the entire surface of a football field in a teaspoon.via Monash University: A sunlight-responsive metal–organic framework system for sustainable water desalination, Nature Sustainability (2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41893-020-0590-x
Study shows promising material can store solar energy for months or years
Dec 2020, phys.org
In tests, the researchers exposed the material to UV light, which causes the azobenzene molecules to change shape to a strained configuration inside the MOF pores. This process stores the energy in a similar way to the potential energy of a bent spring. Importantly, the narrow MOF pores trap the azobenzene molecules in their strained shape, meaning that the potential energy can be stored for long periods of time at room temperature.The energy is released again when external heat is applied as a trigger to 'switch' its state, and this release can be very quick—a bit like a spring snapping back straight. This provides a heat boost which could be used to warm other materials of devices.Further tests showed the material was able to store the energy for at least four months. This is an exciting aspect of the discovery as many light-responsive materials switch back within hours or a few days. The long duration of the stored energy opens up possibilities for cross-seasonal storage.via by Lancaster University: Kieran Griffiths et al, Long-Term Solar Energy Storage under Ambient Conditions in a MOF-Based Solid–Solid Phase-Change Material, Chemistry of Materials (2020). DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.0c02708
Physicists create tunable superconductivity in twisted graphene 'nanosandwich'
Feb 2021, phys.org
Come on with that name though.
via Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Tunable strongly coupled superconductivity in magic-angle twisted trilayer graphene, Nature (2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03192-0
Flash graphene rocks strategy for plastic waste
Oct 2020, phys.org
It's called flashing -- expose plastic waste to eight seconds of high-intensity alternating current, followed by the DC jolt. You'll get turbostratic graphene. Yes, graphene from garbage. $125 of electricity turns a ton of plastic into a ton of graphene.
via Rice University: Wala A. Algozeeb et al, Flash Graphene from Plastic Waste, ACS Nano (2020). DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c06328
Researchers use origami to solve space travel challenge
Dec 2020, phys.org
Origami bellow-bag fuel storage containers.
via Washington State University: Kjell Westra et al, Compliant Polymer Origami Bellows in Cryogenics, Cryogenics (2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.cryogenics.2020.103226
DNA origami enables fabricating superconducting nanowires
Jan 2021, phys.org
via the American Institute of Physics: "DNA origami-based superconducting nanowires" AIP Advances, aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/5.0029781
Researchers turn coal powder into graphite in microwave oven
Jan 2021, phys.org
Using copper foil, glass containers and a conventional household microwave oven, University of Wyoming researchers have demonstrated that pulverized coal powder can be converted into higher-value nano-graphite."By cutting the copper foil into a fork shape, the sparks were induced by the microwave radiation, generating an extremely high temperature of more than 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit within a few seconds," says Masi, lead author of the paper. "This is why you shouldn't place a metal fork inside a microwave oven."via University of Wyoming: Christoffer A. Masi et al, Converting raw coal powder into polycrystalline nano-graphite by metal-assisted microwave treatment. Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects Volume 25, 2021, 100660, ISSN 2352-507X, doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoso.2020.100660
'Magnetic graphene' forms a new kind of magnetism
Feb 2021, phys.org
via University of Cambridge: Matthew J. Coak et al. 'Emergent Magnetic Phases in Pressure-Tuned van der Waals Antiferromagnet FePS3.' Physical Review X (2021). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevX.11.011024
A new way to make wood transparent, stronger and lighter than glass
Feb 2021, phys.org
The conventional method for making wood transparent involves using chemicals to remove the lignin—a process that takes a long time, produces a lot of liquid waste and results in weaker wood. In this new effort, the researchers have found a way to make wood transparent without having to remove the lignin.The process involved changing the lignin rather than removing it. The researchers removed lignin molecules that are involved in producing wood color. First, they applied hydrogen peroxide to the wood surface and then exposed the treated wood to UV light (or natural sunlight). The wood was then soaked in ethanol to further clean it. Next, they filled in the pores with clear epoxy to make the wood smooth.via University of Maryland: Qinqin Xia et al. Solar-assisted fabrication of large-scale, patternable transparent wood, Science Advances (2021). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd7342
Japan developing wooden satellites to cut space junk
Dec 2020, BBC News
