Binding Materials for MOF Monolith Shaping Processes: A Review towards Real Life Application

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) could be utilized for a wide range of applications such as sorption, catalysis, chromatography, energy storage, sensors, drug delivery, and nonlinear optics. However, to date, there are very few examples of MOFs exploited on a commercial scale. Nevertheless, progress in MOF-related research is currently paving the way to new industrial opportunities, fostering applications and processes interconnecting fundamental chemistry with engineering and relevant sectors. Yet, the fabrication of porous MOF materials within resistant structures is a key challenge impeding their wide commercial use for processes such as adsorptive separation. In fact, the integration of nano-scale MOF crystallic structures into bulk components that can maintain the desired characteristics, i.e., size, shape, and mechanical stability, is a prerequisite for their wide practical use in many applications. At the same time, it requires sophisticated shaping techniques that can structure nano/micro-crystalline fine powders of MOFs into diverse types of macroscopic bodies such as monoliths. Under this framework, this review aims to bridge the gap between research advances and industrial necessities for fostering MOF applications into real life. Therefore, it critically explores recent advances in the shaping and production of MOF macro structures with regard to the binding materials that have received little attention to date, but have the potential to give new perspectives in the industrial applicability of MOFs. Moreover, it proposes future paths that can be adopted from both academy and industry and can further boost MOF exploitation.

Stability of Zr-Based UiO-66 Metal–Organic Frameworks in Basic Solutions

“…However, the practical applications of MOFs have been hindered by their relatively low stability under moisture or acidic/basic conditions. Addressing these stability challenges is crucial for unlocking the full potential of these sophisticated materials for real-world applications in various industries as well as in daily life [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. The stability of MOFs has been investigated through theoretical and experimental approaches [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ], and the effects of buffers, amino acids, and cell media on MOFs have been extensively examined [ 37 , 38 , 39 ].…”

Extrusion of MOF-Polymer Nanocomposites with High MOF Loadings

“…[1][2][3] Despite this promise, adoption of MOFs in industry has historically been slow due to their high cost and the difficulty of processing and handling the crystalline powders. [4][5][6][7] To address the high cost, MOF companies have focused on the production of MOFs that contain earth-abundant metals and inexpensive linkers, such as MIL-100(Fe), PCN-250-Fe3, and MIL-125-NH2 (produced commercially by framergy as AYRSORB F100, AYRSORB F250, and AYRSORB T125, respectively). 8 These MOFs have successfully been produced and processed at the tens to hundreds of kilograms scale.…”

Low-Hydrophilic HKUST−1/Polymer Extrudates for the PSA Separation of CO2/CH4

“…HKUST−1 could be synthesized via different synthesis routes, such as solvothermal, microwave, sonochemical, and mechanochemical synthesis [34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42]. HKUST−1 synthesized through these methods is usually obtained in a powder form of millimetric size, which is not convenient for use in adsorption columns because the packing of fine powder causes restrictions in the flow of gas, thus resulting in large pressure losses across the column [43]. To overcome this issue, fine crystalline adsorbent powder needs to be shaped into larger size particle forms, such as granules, tablets, or monoliths.…”