MULTIMOF · Preparation of Multi-Functional Metal Organic Frameworks catalysts

The overall aim of this project is to engineer new mono and multifunctional nanostructured solids to be used as catalyst for multi-step, one-pot reactions. The key objectives are: 1. Create stable nano-structured super basic catalysts based on Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) by using synthetic and/or post-synthetic approaches. 2. Create nano-structured solids containing covalently bonded sulphonic groups by using synthetic and/or post synthetic methods. 3. Create acid MOFs with metal nanoparticles encapsulated in the MOF cavities (acid-metallic catalyst). 4. Produce acid-base MOFs by using synthetic and/or post synthetic approaches. The main motivations for the exploration and development of efficient catalysts are to conserve energy, to produce fine chemicals and to develop environmentally friendly and safe technologies. Despite major improvements over the past few decades, many existing commercial catalysts are still plagued by low efficiency, high cost, and/or production of large quantities of hazardous wastes. Furthermore, many of them have been designed to catalyze a single reaction in multi-step reactions or to produce multiple products, in contrast to industry’s needs for efficient multi-step, one-pot catalytic processes. The tailoring of multifunctional catalysts is a big challenge for the research community and for the society in general, since proper catalysts may reduce the economical and environmental costs of crucial catalytic process. Multifunctionality in heterogeneous catalysis has been scarcely studied, with respect to multifunctional solids, the heterogeneous catalysis toolbox is still empty. In this sense MOFs are called to play an important role in the near future due to their wide chemical versatility and modifiability. The emphasis and final target of this proposal is to design and to apply MOFs as bi-functional catalysts. The main part of the proposed project, will be carried out at the Delft University of Technology, abbreviated as TU