The goal of this project is to create a Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOF) catalytic converter that can effectively reduce the waste production of harmful gases, and particles produced during the operation of internal combustion engines. The waste produced from combustion includes: nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM). The ability of MOFs to capture small particles and gases as well as catalyze heterogeneous reactions is a driving force behind their usefulness in this application. The MOF catalytic converter has the potential to capture PM, operate optimally at all temperatures, and use cost effective materials to perform its function. The aforementioned characteristics give the proposed system the potential to improve and expand upon the limitations of current catalytic converter systems. The project requires the development of a model, composed of a MOF catalytic chamber for catalysis of gases and multiple MOF membranes for PM capturing. The initial step of the project, the one discussed in this work, is the development of the catalytic chamber. The catalytic chamber will contain a collection of MOFs each tailored to catalyze the conversion of a particular gas into a more environmentally friendly variant. To mimic the environment of a catalytic converter, we will build a packed bed flow reactor. Attached to the end of the packed bed flow reactor, a GC will be used as a detector to quantify the efficiency of gas conversion. The first target reaction will be the conversion of NOx into N2 and O2 gas. The proposed catalysts for the conversion of NOx are two Ti (IV) containing MOFs. Each catalyst will be made indirectly, to circumvent the difficulties that are faced when working with unstable Ti (IV) starting materials. The first catalyst, Ti-MOF 74, will be indirectly synthesized by using Zn-MOF 74 and applying High Valence Metathesis and Oxidation. The second catalyst, is a porphyrin linker with a Ti (III) group that is oxidized into Ti (IV), by adding an oxo group before it is synthesized into the MOF Ti-PCN-222. The MOF catalytic converter shows great promise towards improving air quality. Through the conversion of toxic gases, produced during the combustion of fuel in internal combustion engines, into more environmentally friendly variants the MOF catalytic converter will help control air pollution.

Utilizing MOFs to improve the efficiency and capabilities of catalytic converters

256th National Meeting (2018)

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