MOF bio-composites for biocatalysis

Magnetic MOF microreactors for recyclable size-selective biocatalysis.

In this contribution we report a synthetic strategy for the encapsulation of functional biomolecules within MOF-based microcapsules. We employ an agarose hydrogel droplet Pickering-stabilised by UiO-66 and magnetite nanoparticles as a template around which to deposit a hierarchically structured ZIF-8 shell. The resulting microcapsules are robust, highly microporous and readily attracted to a ma...

MOF-5 composites exhibiting improved thermal conductivity

The low thermal conductivity of the prototype hydrogen storage adsorbent, metal-organic framework 5 (MOF-5), can limit performance in applications requiring rapid gas uptake and release, such as in hydrogen storage for fuel cell vehicles. As a means to improve thermal conductivity, we have synthesized MOF-5-based composites containing 1e10 wt.% of expanded natural graphite (ENG) and evaluated t...

Anisotropic thermal transport in MOF-5 composites

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new class of porous, crystalline materials with applications in the capture, storage, and separation of gasses. Although much effort has been devoted to understanding the properties of MOFs in powder form, in a realistic system the MOF media will likely be employed as dense compacts, such as pucks or pellets, to maximize volumetric efficiency. In these appl...

Bio-inspired Ceramic/carbon Composites

Bio-inspired impact-resistant composites.

Through evolutionary processes, biological composites have been optimized to fulfil specific functions. This optimization is exemplified in the mineralized dactyl club of the smashing predator stomatopod (specifically, Odontodactylus scyllarus). This crustacean's club has been designed to withstand the thousands of high-velocity blows that it delivers to its prey. The endocuticle of this multir...