Graduation Year

2009

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Ph.D.

Degree Granting Department

Chemistry

Major Professor

Mohamed Eddaoudi, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Julie P. Harmon, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Brian Space, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Michael J. Zaworotko, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Anthony W. Coleman, Ph.D.

Keywords

single-metal-ion based molecular building block, zeolite-like metal-organic frameworks, porosity, hydrogen storage, topology

Abstract

The design of functional materials for specific applications has been an ongoing challenge for scientists aiming to resolve present and future societal needs. A burgeoning interest was awarded to developing methods for the design and synthesis of hybrid materials, which encompass superior functionality via their multi-component system. In this context, Metal-Organic Materials (MOMs) are nominated as a new generation of crystalline solid-state materials, proven to provide attractive features in terms of tunability and versatility in the synthesis process. In strong correlation with their structure, their functions are related to numerous attractive features, with emphasis on gas storage related applications.

Throughout the past decade, several design approaches have been systematically developed for the synthesis of MOMs. Their construction from building blocks has facilitated the process of rational design and has set necessary conditions for the assembly of intended networks.

Herein, the focus is on utilizing the single-metal-ion based Molecular Building Block (MBB) approach to construct frameworks assembled from predetermined MBBs of the type MNx(CO2)y. These MBBs are derived from multifunctional organic ligands that have at least one N- and O- heterochelate function and which possess the capability to fully saturate the coordination sphere of a single-metal-ion (of 6- or higher coordination number), ensuring rigidity and directionality in the resulting MBBs. Ultimately, the target is on deriving rigid and directional MBBs that can be regarded as Tetrahedral Building Units (TBUs), which in conjunction with appropriate heterofunctional angular ligands are capable to facilitate the construction of Zeolite-like Metal-Organic Frameworks (ZMOFs). ZMOFs represent a unique subset of MOMs, particularly attractive due to their potential for numerous applications, arising from their fully exploitable large and extra-large cavities.

The research studies highlighted in this dissertation will probe the validity and versatility of the single-metal-ion-based MBB approach to generate a repertoire of intended MOMs, ZMOFs, as well as novel functional materials constructed from heterochelating bridging ligands. Emphasis will be put on investigating the structure-function relationship in MOMs synthesized via this approach; hydrogen and CO2 sorption studies, ion exchange, guest sensing, encapsulation of molecules, and magnetic measurements will be evaluated.

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