Research: Performance and Stability of Amine-Functionalised Metal-Organic Frameworks fo...

Research question: How do different amine-functionalised metal-organic frameworks compare in terms of CO2 adsorption capacity, selectivity, and long-term stability under simulated flue gas conditions?

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) functionalised with amine groups have emerged as promising materials for the selective capture of CO2 from industrial emissions, due to their tunable pore structures and chemical versatility. Post-combustion CO2 capture remains a critical challenge for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and heavy industry.

Despite substantial research, comparative data on the adsorption performance and long-term chemical stability of various amine-functionalised MOFs under realistic flue gas conditions is limited. Key parameters such as cyclic stability, moisture resistance, and regeneration energy requirements are not systematically understood.

This project will synthesise and characterise several amine-functionalised MOFs (e.g., mmen-Mg2(dobpdc), UiO-66-NH2) and evaluate their CO2 adsorption capacity, selectivity over N2, and stability across multiple cycles under humidified gas mixtures. Experimental data will be complemented by isotherm modelling and spectroscopic analysis to elucidate adsorption mechanisms.

Understanding the performance and degradation pathways of these materials will inform the design of more robust and efficient CO2 capture systems, supporting the development of scalable carbon management technologies.