|Crystal structure of ZIF-100, a representative metal-organic framework (MOF); up to 121 CO2 molecules can be captured and stored in one cage. Some MOFs have surface areas of several football fields per gram material.|
The ability to stitch molecules into extended porous structures (reticular chemistry) is a new area of research that has enabled the design of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) having surface areas of several football fields per gram (10,000 m2/gm). This internal surface is critically important in applications leading to cleaner fuels and capture of carbon dioxide from power plants. I will present how my love for molecules has led to beautiful creations and applications of a new class of crystalline materials with a diversity and number that far exceed any other.
Anyone outside NIST wishing to attend must be sponsored by a NIST employee and receive a visitor badge. For more information, call Kum J. Ham at 301-975-4203.
Colloquia are videotaped and available in the NIST Research Library.