Nuclear energy is now recognized as an important intermediary technology that can bridge our dependence on fossil fuels and the development of renewable energy resources. Safe nuclear energy relies on meticulous nuclear waste management and, hence, effective radiological capture processes are critical technologies currently being targeted. In this endeavor, the emerging class of metal-organic-frameworks (MOFs) affords opportunities for applications and processes distinct from those of established nanoporous sorbents. Not only can the large pore volumes allow unprecedented uptake of molecular I2, a hazardous radiological by-product of nuclear energy production, but the enhanced flexiblity of MOFs compared to traditional nanoporous materials (e.g., zeolites) allow for the subsequent release of these guest species to be inhibited by amorphization of the guest-loaded framework structure under applied pressure. Using advanced synchrotron-based structure characterization tools, including powder diffraction and pair distribution function analysis, the guest-binding sites can be identified in both the pristine and amorphized MOF host and insight gained into the structure of the amorphized MOF itself. This is  important in assessing the durability of the I2 capture for long term storage.

Trapping molecules within nanoporous metal-organic frameworks through pressure-induced amorphization

244th National Meeting (2012)

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