(536c) Emulsion Templated Polymers As Structured Supports for MOF Adsorbents

Metal organic frameworks are well suited to a variety of applications, including adsorption, catalysis, and gas storage. However, their potential applications are limited while in pellet or powder form, and they can lack the mechanical stability required for some applications. High internal phase emulsion templated polymers (polyHIPEs) are permanently and highly macroporous polymer structures that have shown promise as catalyst and adsorbent supports. PolyHIPEs could provide a platform for the creation of large, three dimensional bodies containing these active materials while maintaining high permeability and accessibility to the internal portions of the body through large, interconnected pores.

We have successfully incorporated the MOF UiO-66-NH₂ into a 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate polyHIPE crosslinked with N,N’-methylene bisacrylamide. The porous structure of the polyHIPE has been preserved despite the incorporation of MOF particles. While the lower than expected BET surface areas of the composites suggested that the MOF was obstructed by the polymer, CO₂ adsorption was not negatively affected at low pressures suggesting that the MOF is accessible to adsorbates even within the polymer. Dye uptake confirms this in the aqueous phase. The MOF-polyHIPE composites show promise as adsorbents for both gases and liquids, with the polymer enhancing the structural stability of the MOF and allowing the creation of three dimensional monoliths rather than powder or pellets.