The Synthesis of Building Blocks for Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOF): Potential for Gaseous Fuel Storage

The Synthesis of Building Blocks for Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOF): Potential for Gaseous Fuel Storage

There is currently considerable interest in the use of hydrogen as an energy transport medium. While hydrogen provides clean combustion, storage and transport raises complex engineering challenges, resulting in potentially expensive design restraints. Current research indicates that transition metal complexes of mononucleating ligands, such as 1,3-bis(pyridylimino)benz(f)isoindoline (NBAII), spontaneously form uniform channels in the crystalline matrix that may be suitable for hydrogen storage. Furthermore, the alteration of the ligand substituents may yield the ability to tailor the shape and size of the crystalline channel to optimize the geometric configuration. Specifically, the x-ray crystallography of the divalent copper complex of NBAII indicates that longitudinal channels form during crystallization, which measure 12 angstroms by 7.5 angstroms, providing ample volume for hydrogen packing, the characterization of which is ongoing.