The overuse of fossil fuels, as the primary energy source, has resulted in excessive CO2 emissions, reaching a historic level of 412 ppm in September of 2019. Approximately 40% of CO2, generated from human activities, is absorbed by the natural carbon exchange; the remaining amount is the primary cause of global warming. This trend will continue with increased industrialization and economic development, yet effective remediation methods are lacking. Although technologies have been developed for the decrease in levels of atmospheric CO2, the material activity is oftentimes restricted to adsorption and capture. Alternatively, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), have emerged as a solution to this limitation, providing means for catalysis driven molecule conversion into advantageous products. This improvement is attributed to the inherent characteristics of MOFs: large surface area, well-ordered porosity, structural diversity, and tunability. Among these materials, the MILs (Materials of Institute Lavoisier), have attracted considerable attention. More specifically, MIL-101(Cr), consisting of trivalent chromium ions cross-linked with 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate, presents a large surface area and enhanced chemical/thermal stability, qualities favorable of stable reaction kinetics, material efficacy, and system reusability. The activity of MIL-101(Cr) is greatly influenced by size, morphology, and ligand attachments. Synthesis and characterization results of four MIL-101(Cr) variants will be presented to best explore the function of the MOF and its affinity towards CO2 adsorption. The effects of amine functionalization, size, and synthesis method of MIL-101(Cr) will also be demonstrated.

Engineering of amine modified MIL-101(Cr) for use as a bi-functional heterostructure for enhanced and selective CO2 adsorption/reduction under visible light irradiation

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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