Technology for clean and scalable synthesis of metal-organic frameworks

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The proposed application aims to scale up a recently-developed new and clean technology (US 62/119,436) for gram-scale manufacturing of microporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into a >10 kilogram/day batch process for manufacturing multiple types of MOFs. This proven clean manufacturing process will provide a foundation to establish and incorporate a start-up company, called Q-MOF, which will be the first to commercially provide sophisticated and inexpensive MOFs for applications in academic research, as well as commercial opportunities in gas purification, hydrogen fuel cells, storage of methane and acetylene, carbon dioxide sequestration, and catalysis. Although a small number of manufacturers have recently begun commercially offering a very limited number of MOFs, these materials are available only at exorbitant cost (>$12,000 per kg). As well, the existing processes through which these materials are made are characterized by high environmental impact and safety risks, and involve corrosive starting materials and harsh reaction conditions. Our recently patented technology allows for the inexpensive, simple and environmentally-friendly synthesis of a wide diversity of MOFs from well-known and safe reagents. The proposed research, which will allow us to scale-up our clean and inexpensive MOF manufacturing technology and expand the portfolio of accessible MOF products, will enable us to establish a MOF manufacturing company that will meet the needs of the emerging research and industrial applications markets by providing large amounts (10-100kg) of MOF products for a price that is 50% or less than what is currently offered.Our initial expected market is adsorbents, with a focus on fuel cell technology, but we also aim to provide products to research users with a variety of applications.