Carbon Dioxide Separation with Novel Microporous Metal Organic Frameworks
Project # 42121

Primary Performing Organization:
UOP LLC (A Honeywell Company)

	Molecular structure of the microporous metal organic framework MOF-5.

In this project, researchers will work to develop novel microporous metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as sorbents for the removal of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from flue gas and gasifier streams in coal-fueled power plants.  MOFs have previously exhibited exceptional adsorption capacity for methane, hydrogen, and other gases.  MOFs are hybrid organic/inorganic structures – essentially scaffolds made up of metal hubs linked together with struts of organic compounds – a structure designed to maximize surface area.  MOF sorption properties can be readily tailored by modifying either the organic linker and/or the metal hub.  The desired sorbent would have high selectivity, high adsorption capacity, and good adsorption/desorption rates, and would be tailored to minimize the CO₂ binding energy in the interest of reducing the energy required for regeneration.

In the project, molecular modeling will be used to identify MOFs with the best sorption properties for CO₂, and to predict the structures of new MOFs with favorable sorption properties.  A detailed characterization of the novel materials also will be performed to determine the active sorption sites.  Other considerations, such as hydrothermal stability, process economics, and process integration of the MOFs into both flue gas and gasification streams, will be addressed.

Contact:
Project Manager: David Lang, david.lang@netl.doe.gov.

Related Papers and Publications:

• Microporous Metal Organic Frameworks Fact Sheet [PDF]