Design synthesis and characterization of metal organic frameworks MOFs and their composites for environmental and energy applications

Abstract

Recently, there has been a significant surge of interest in Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as a type of porous material within coordination polymers. The remarkable properties of high surface area and porosity have captured the attention of researchers. MOFs have been widely applied in diverse fields including catalysis, adsorption, drug delivery, bioimaging, sensing, gas storage, separation, and energy storage. One intriguing feature of MOFs is their capability to convert energy into various forms. Thus, our study focused on investigating the energy generation behaviour of MOFs as materials for triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). TENGs are a promising technology that harnesses mechanical energy and converts it into electrical energy through triboelectrification and electrostatic charge induction. Specifically, we examined the energy generation potential of two MOFs: ZIF-67 and a Mo-MOF derived from spent catalyst Mo-Ni/Al2O3. The energy generated from these MOFs was utilized to power wearable devices and analyse movement patterns such as gait and boxing punches. To further enhance the functionality of MOFs, we integrated them with light-sensitive perovskite materials for environmental remediation purposes. By combining MOF with the functional materials, we enabled the production of highly reactive species upon exposure to light, resulting in the degradation of contaminants into harmless byproducts. To demonstrate this, we designed a novel ZIF-8atBaTiO3 nanocomposite for the photocatalytic degradation of dyes using natural sunlight. Through comprehensive characterization techniques, we confirmed the successful formation of a heterojunction and examined the dye degradation process by manipulating various parameters. Lastly, we proposed a plausible mechanism to elucidate the chemical reactions responsible for the breakdown of organic contaminants. newline