A Novel Advanced Manufacturing Pathway for Direct Incorporation of Metal-Organic Frameworks in Polymeric Sponges

For this project, the team at Framergy, Inc. in partnership with Texas A&M University (TAMU), will analyze the feasibility of post-synthetic incorporation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into polymer composites. This manufacturing method has the distinct advantage of eliminating the synthesis optimization that is often needed in in-situ growth methodologies, while also allowing for a higher degree of MOF loading compared to traditional methods. Upon success, this effort will lead to commercial air and water filters for the treatment of a range of harmful chemicals. This proposal aligns with the NIST Chemistry topic and NCNR DAC and CCUS program area as advanced sorbents, specifically MOFs, need to be attached on contractors to process air or point source exhaust emissions to capture their CO2 content. Addressing the challenges associated with the attachment of MOFs on contactor surfaces aligns well with the proposed effort which evaluates the feasibility of incorporating MOFs into polymers. The end product of this effort (novel filters for the treatment of harmful chemicals) will leverage the measurement tools developed by NCNR to enable its feasibility testing. The critical adsorption measurement and metrologies developed under this program applies to the needs of developing and commercializing a novel MOF-composite air/water filter.