Decomposition Mechanisms in Metal-Organic Frameworks

Background: Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are (Nobel-prize-winning!) porous materials that are able to capture greenhouse gases, like CO2 and methane. We are particularly interested in "hybrid" MOFs, which contain small inorganic ions in their structure. These inorganic ions tend to interact strongly with molecules like CO2, tending to make the material highly selective at capturing greenhouse gases. However, these materials tend to decompose at relatively low temperatures (150-200 C), which limits their applicability in industrial settings (these temperatures are "cold" in many industrial contexts). We want to better understand the thermal decomposition mechanism in these materials. 

Goal: The goal of this research project is to determine the thermal decomposition mechanism - how does the decomposition reaction propagate through the material? Can we model the decomposition reaction as a nucleation-and-growth based phase-change model (e.g. using the Avrami equation)?

What will you do? This project will involve inorganic synthesis and characterization of the products using Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and potentially Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). 

Want to learn more before you apply? Email me at chealy@g.hmc.edu or drop into my office (Jacobs 1207). You don't need to have any specific experience to apply (but preference will be given to those who have completed at least Chem 42 and are pursuing either Chem 51 or 56). A good paper to read is "Thermal Decomposition of Hybrid Ultramicroporous Materials", Healy et al., Dalton Trans., 2020.

Essay Prompt: If you want to apply, please write a short introduction about yourself, and include (a) why you're interested in the project and (b) what you're hoping to learn.