A fine-tuned Metal−Organic Framework for autonomous indoor moisture control

by R.G. AbdulHalim, P.M.. Bhatt, Y. Belmabkhout, A. Shkurenko, K. Adil, L.J. Barbour, M. Eddaoudi
Year: 2017 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b04132

Extra Information

Journal of American Chemistry Society, Issue 139, 10715-10722, (2017)

Abstract

Conventional adsorbents, namely zeolites and silica gel, are often used to control humidity by adsorbing water; however, adsorbents capable of the dual functionality of humidification and dehumidification, offering the desired control of the moisture level at room temperature, have yet to be explored. Here we report Y-shp-MOF-5, a hybrid microporous highly connected rare-earth-based metal-organic framework (MOF), with dual functionality for moisture control within the recommended range of relative humidity (45%-65% RH) set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Y-shp-MOF-5 exhibits exceptional structural integrity, robustness, and unique humidity-control performance, as confirmed by the large number (thousand) of conducted water vapor adsorption-desorption cycles. The retained structural integrity and the mechanism of water sorption were corroborated using in situ single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) studies. The resultant working water uptake of 0.45 g·g-1 is solely regulated by a simple adjustment of the relative humidity, positioning this hydrolytically stable MOF as a prospective adsorbent for humidity control in confined spaces, such as space shuttles, aircraft cabins, and air-conditioned buildings.
 

Keywords

Moisture control Organometallics Silica gel Single crystals Gas adsorption X ray diffraction