Leveraging skyscraper architecture for breakthrough in metal-organic framework design

The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, employs advanced construction techniques designed to withstand wind, seismic activity, and its own massive weight. Among these techniques is the “Meta Column System,” which plays a pivotal role by strategically positioning large columns to resist lateral forces, thereby facilitating the construction of such a towering structure.

What if these advanced architectural techniques could be applied to material design?

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials formed by the combination of metal ions and organic ligands, resulting in structures similar to rebar in buildings. The design principle underlying MOFs closely resembles architectural planning. Professor Wonyoung Choe’s research team has successfully synthesized a new MOF employing a design strategy akin to the “Mega Frame,” termed the “Merged-Net Strategy.” By incorporating large molecules within the MOF structure—similar to how columns function in architectural design—they have created “a structure within a structure,” thereby enhancing both porosity and structural stability.

This research represents a significant advancement in addressing the enduring challenge of material stability in conventional MOFs. The newly developed MOF not only demonstrates exceptional water stability and structural integrity but also exhibits superior water adsorption capacity and reusability compared to previously reported MOFs. Moreover, the team successfully demonstrated that the water adsorption properties of the MOF can be precisely tuned by modifying the active sites within its framework, enhancing its versatility for various water sorption applications.

Junghye Lee, the first author of the study, stated, “This new design method has the potential to surpass the performance of existing MOFs, significantly expanding their range of applications.”

Professor Wonyoung Choe remarked, “This research signifies a breakthrough in molecular-level precision design. By applying advanced architectural methods to molecular system, we are opening new avenues in material science.”

This research received support from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), UNIST, and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., with collaborative efforts from Professor Hyunchul Oh’s team. The findings have been published in Advanced Functional Materials, a prestigious journal in the field, on September 17, 2024.