Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are coordination polymers that feature abundant surface area in a compact volume allowing for excellent guest-host interactions potentially useful for several environmental applications. The dynamic nature of the coordination bonds within the framework, however, limit the stability of most MOFs, particularly in aqueous solution. Research into advanced MOF materials that incorporate polymeric units and crosslinkers to stabilize MOFs are thus an attractive pursuit. This talk will focus on the results from an undergraduate research project in advanced MOF materials that has led to a new Chemistry Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) in the general chemistry laboratory. These biosorbant MOF materials are created from bio polymers, such as cellulose acetate, using the MOF HKUST-1 and post-synthetic modifications. Incorporation of the MOF into a polymer matrix enhances the stability of HKUST-1 in aqueous solution allowing for increased viability in water filtration applications. The resulting biosorbant materials readily adsorb organic dyes in solution and exhibit antimicrobial properties toward the Gram-negative bacterium <i>Escherichia coli</i>. The basic synthesis of the materials can easily be accomplished by undergraduates in the laboratory, and this investigation has resulted in the design and implementation of a new CURE into the curriculum of the general chemistry laboratory at Lewis University.

Undergraduate research and CURE development in MOF materials for water remediation

2019 Spring National Meeting

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