Synthesis and properties of metal organic frameworks

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Development of new materials for targeted applications requires an iterative cycle of design, execution, and assessment. This proposal concerns a class of porous compounds, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) that are renowned for being ordered, porous and amenable to systematic structure variation. The order translates to the ability to assess structure at the atomic level. Coupled with the abundant options for systematic variation, this is a powerful design paradigm. Three sub-proposals are presented, the first proposes new basic building blocks and their self-assembly into cluster or capsular species. The latter two projects concern taking the molecular understanding obtained from Project one and applying it towards natural gas storage (ultimately with goals of on-board storage for automobiles) and better proton conductors (ultimately for better hydrogen fuel cell membranes). The building units proposed are a new approach and offer more rational design options as well as demonstrated potential to improve stability of the class of materials, presently an Achilles' heel.