To propel the Mars Rover, radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) are integrated into the automated motor vehicle. RTGs are examples of thermoelectrics, which transform heat into electricity. Nanomaterials with similar structure to graphene, such as metal organic graphene-analogues (MOGs), hold potential for RTG applications. As a class of conductive metal-organic frameworks, MOGs self-assemble from metal cations and organic linkers. Inspired by the well-studied MOG, Ni3(HITP)2, we synthesized and characterized two novel MOG analogues, Pd3(HITP)2 and Pt3(HITP)2. Not only are the two novel MOF powders porous, they are also crystalline, showing comparable structural features to that of the nickel-based MOG. Interestingly, the conductivity increases with metal cation radii. Based on Seebeck measurements, we also observe that the Ni3(HITP)2 is n-type, while the palladium and platinum analogues are p-type. With these structure-property relationships elucidated, we expect these MOGs to be high potential materials for thermoelectric applications.

Synthesis and characterization of novel palladium- and platinum-based metal-organic frameworks for thermoelectrics

255th National Meeting (2018)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.