Defect engineering of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for catalytic applications

Metal organic frameworks are crystalline porous materials, formed through bonds between organic linkers and metal/metal oxide nodes. MOFs are characterized by very high surface areas and flexible node functionalities, that make them suitable for adsorption and catalytic applications.

We have been using MOFs as prototype catalysts to investigate fundamental reaction mechanisms in alcohol dehydration reactions. In this project, the student will continue our work on the synthesis and modification of MOFs to introduce catalytic sites on the MOF nodes.

The work will be primarily experimental. The student will gain knowledge in MOF synthesis, structural characterization, and application in catalysis.