Magnetic Framework Composites Via Continuous Flow Syntheses for Co­2 Capture and Other Applications

Magnetic framework composites (MFCs) are a novel class of materials containing magnetic nanoparticles with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). They have demonstrated exciting potential across a range of applications including CO₂ capture, benefiting from efficient heating by magnetic fields. However, the current batch synthesis routes produce small quantities of MFCs over long timescales (hours to days), preventing the transition of MFCs toward industrial applications. Herein we present an innovative continuous flow reactor to produce MFCs in minutes, with significant improvement to sustainability and scalability.We demonstrate the versatility of the technique showing the first flow syntheses of MFCs with MOFs HKUST-1, AlFum, UTSA-16(Zn,Mg) and MIL-100(Fe), and the first non-microreactor flow synthesis of an MFC with MOF ZIF-8. The MFCs were produced in just 5 minutes at high space-time yields (up to 16,000 kg/m3/day) with greater surface areas compared to previous methods (899-1672 m2/g). MFCs with MOFs HKUST-1, AlFum and UTSA-16(Zn,Mg) demonstrated high CO₂ adsorption capacities (2.3-5.0 mmol/g) and recyclability over 12 cycles, with remarkably low temperatures sufficient for regeneration (e.g. 60 °C). To demonstrate the initial feasibility of scale up, an MFC containing AlFum was run at 50x original scale (producing 28 g in 50 minutes) with no negative impact on crystallinity or CO₂ capacity of the MFC. The rapid and versatile continuous flow method marks a significant improvement on previous synthesis routes, facilitating the exciting development of MFCs towards solving global environmental issues.

• Woodliffe, J
• Molinar-Díaz, J
• Holland, B
• Hussein, O
• Lester, E
• Robertson, K

• University of Nottingham

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