The construction of nanoporous metal-organic frameworks (MOF) by copolymerization of organic molecules with metal ions has received widespread attention in recent...
The construction of nanoporous metal-organic frameworks (MOF) by copolymerization of organic molecules with metal ions has received widespread attention in recent years. These materials are thermally robust and, in many cases, have high porosity. However, recent experiments have shown that some MOFs are not stable when exposed to >4% water, limiting their usefulness.
Coordination bonding overcomes this limitation, requires mild conditions to create frameworks, and brings myriad choices of building blocks. Trifluoromethoxy group, which has been proved on most water repellent polymers and coating materials, reduces the water damage on MOF structures. A water resistant MOF, namely, ZnMOF3 is obtained through both solvothermal synthesis and microwave assisted solvothermal synthesis. It has a comparable vapor adsorbtion capacity with the commonly used MOFs, but does not adsorb moisture at 70 C.
In addition, exposing ZnMOF3 to boiling water vapor for one week does not result in any dramatic X-ray powder pattern change. ZnMOF3 is a potential adsorbent in many industrial applications such as air adsorption.
Dr. Xiao Su has created a system and method for the electrochemical remediation of mercury using semiconducting polymer electrodes. This system and method is directly...
Dr. Xiao Su has created a system and method for the electrochemical remediation of mercury using semiconducting polymer electrodes. This system and method is directly applicable to the remediation of mercury from water streams, such as wastewater streams, as well as to downstream chemical processes. The use of semi-conducting polymers highly increases the kinetics and efficiency of desorption, making this adsorption technology highly re-usable. When compared with current techniques this system and method does not require chemically intensive regeneration processes, this minimizes secondary pollution while achieving high ion-selectivity towards mercury even in very small amounts (ppb-range).
Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a unique geometry of an electrodialysis system for enhanced efficiency of water purification. Electrodialysis...
Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a unique geometry of an electrodialysis system for enhanced efficiency of water purification. Electrodialysis can be inefficient due to concentration polarization of the ion depleted zone. The unique geometry of this technology increases the flux of purified water by removing current limiting regime in electrodialysis system.
Rare-earth metals are increasingly incorporated into our technology. These natural resources are limited, and there are currently few recycling efforts for these raw...
Rare-earth metals are increasingly incorporated into our technology. These natural resources are limited, and there are currently few recycling efforts for these raw materials. Furthermore, the release of rare-earth metals into streams and rivers is a major concern for the environment with unpredictable impact on wildlife. Using electrochemistry, the Su Lab has developed a material that can selectively capture these rare-earth metals from streams and rivers in a green and sustainable manner, thus providing a way to for recycling and water-remediation.
