Elucidation of adsorption cooling characteristics of Zr-MOFs: Effects of structure property and working fluids

Engineered Nanoporous Frameworks for Adsorption Cooling Applications

The energy demand for traditional vapor-compressed technology for space cooling continues to soar year after year due to global warming and the increasing human population's need to improve living and working conditions. Thus, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly technologies that use sustainable or waste energy resources. This review discusses the properties of various refrigerants used for adsorption cooling applications followed by a brief discussion on the thermodynamic cycle. Next, sorbents traditionally used for cooling are reviewed to emphasize the need for advanced capture materials with superior properties to improve refrigerant sorption. The remainder of the review focus on studies using engineered nanoporous frameworks (ENFs) with various refrigerants for adsorption cooling applications. The effects of the various factors that play a role in ENF-refrigerant pair selection, including pore structure/dimension/shape, morphology, open-metal sites, pore chemistry and possible presence of defects, are reviewed. Next, in-depth insights into the sorbent-refrigerant interaction, and pore filling mechanism gained through a combination of characterization techniques and computational modeling are discussed. Finally, we outline the challenges and opportunities related to using ENFs for adsorption cooling applications and provide our views on the future of this technology.

Structural insights into hybrid immiscible blends of metal-organic framework and sodium ultraphosphate glasses

Recently, increased attention has been focused on amorphous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and, more specifically, MOF glasses, the first new glass category discovered since the 1970s. In this work, we explore the fabrication of a compositional series of hybrid blends, the first example of blending a MOF and inorganic glass. We combine ZIF-62(Zn) glass and an inorganic glass, 30Na2O-70P2O5, to combine the chemical versatility of the MOF glass with the mechanical properties of the inorganic glass. We investigate the interfacial interactions between the two components using pair distribution function analysis and solid state NMR spectroscopy, and suggest potential interactions between the two phases. Thermal analysis of the blend samples indicated that they were less thermally stable than the starting materials and had a Tg shifted relative to the pristine materials. Annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy tomography, X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), nanoindentation and 31P NMR all indicated close mixing of the two phases, suggesting the formation of immiscible blends.

Evaluating the effects of zeolitic imidazolate framework and Eremostachys binalodensis extract on Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans biofilms

Biofilms represent longstanding challenges to oral health care. Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans are the common pathogens forming biofilms. The growing resistance to and the adverse effects of antibiotics limit their usage and raise the need for novel approaches. Herbal extracts have emerged as efficient choices with lower costs and fewer adverse effects. Metal frameworks have captivated interest due to their high surface area, special biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. The effects of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks/layered double hydroxide (ZIF/LDH) on fungal infections and the potential effects of Eremostachys binalodensis on bacteria encouraged the researchers to evaluate the effect of ZIF/LDH, E. binalodensis, and their combination on C. albicans and S. mutans biofilms. ZIF/LDH nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and X-ray diffraction to assess morphology and chemical structure. Methanol extracts of the areal parts of E. binalodensis were obtained by Soxhlet extraction. The microdilution tests and biofilm crystal violet staining were applied. Concentrations of 2.048 and 4.096 mg/ml E. binalodensis prevented C. albicans and S. mutans biofilm formation. The combination of ZIF/LDH + E. binalodensis prevented C. albicans and S. mutans biofilm formation. This research suggests the use of E. binalodensis-loaded ZIF/LDH nanocomposites for removing biofilms.

Pyrene-based metal organic frameworks: from synthesis to applications

Pyrene is one of the most widely investigated aromatic hydrocarbons given to its unique optical and electronic properties. Hence, pyrene-based ligands have been attractive for the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in the last few years. In this review, we will focus on the most important characteristics of pyrene, in addition to the development and synthesis of pyrene-based molecules as bridging ligands to be used in MOF structures. We will summarize the synthesis attempts, as well as the post-synthetic modifications of pyrene-based MOFs by the incorporation of metals or ligands in the structure. The discussion of promising results of such MOFs in several applications; including luminescence, photocatalysis, adsorption and separation, heterogeneous catalysis, electrochemical applications and bio-medical applications will be highlighted. Finally, some insights and future prospects will be given based on the studies discussed in the review. This review will pave the way for the researchers in the field for the design and development of novel pyrene-based structures and their utilization for different applications.

Cooling Capacity Test for MIL-101(Cr)/CaCl2 for Adsorption Refrigeration System

An MIL-101(Cr) powder material was successfully prepared using the hydrothermal synthesis method, and then the original MIL-101(Cr) was combined with different mass fractions of CaCl₂ using the immersion method to obtain a MIL-101(Cr)/CaCl₂ composite material. The physical properties of the adsorbent were determined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), an N2 adsorption desorption isotherm test, and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The water vapor adsorption performance of the metal-organic frameworks MOFs was tested with a gravimetric water vapor adsorption instrument to analyze its water vapor adsorption mechanism. Based on the SIMULINK platform in the MATLAB software, a simulation model of the coefficient of performance (COP) and cooling capacity of the adsorption refrigeration system was established, and the variation trends of the COP and cooling capacity of the adsorption refrigeration system under different evaporation/condensation/adsorption/desorption temperatures was theoretically studied. MIL101-(Cr)/CaCl₂-20% was selected as the adsorption material in the adsorption refrigeration system through the physical characterization of composite materials with different CaCl₂ concentrations by means of adsorption water vapor test experiments. A closed adsorption system performance test device was built based on the liquid level method. The cooling power per unit and adsorbent mass (COP and SCP) of the system were tested at different evaporation temperatures (288 K/293 K/298 K); the adsorption temperature was 298 K, the condensation temperature was 308 K, and the desorption temperature was 353 K. The experimental results showed that COP and SCP increased with the increase in the evaporation temperature. When the evaporation temperature was 298 K, the level of COP was 0.172, and the level of SCP was 136.9 W/kg. The COP and SCP of the system were tested at different adsorption temperatures (293 K/298 K/303 K); the evaporation temperature was 288 K, the condensation temperature was 308 K, and the desorption temperature was 353 K. The experimental results showed that the levels of COP and SCP decreased with the increase in the adsorption temperature. When the adsorption temperature was 293 K, the level of COP was 0.18, and the level of SCP was 142.4 W/kg.

Evaluation of Metal–Organic Frameworks as Potential Adsorbents for Solar Cooling Applications

The reduction of carbon dioxide emissions has become a need of the day to overcome different environmental issues and challenges. The use of alternative and renewable-based technologies is one of the options to achieve the target of sustainable development through the reduction of these harmful emissions. Among different technologies thermally activated cooling systems are one which can reduce the harmful emissions caused by conventional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technology. Thermal cooling systems utilize different porous materials and work on a reversible adsorption/desorption cycle. Different advancements have been made for this technology but still a lot of work should be done to replace conventional systems with this newly developed technology. High adsorption capacity and lower input heat are two major requirements for efficient thermally driven cooling technologies. In this regard, it is a need of the day to develop novel adsorbents with high sorption capacity and low regeneration temperature. Due to tunable topologies and a highly porous nature, the hybrid porous crystalline materials known as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a great inspiration for thermally driven adsorption-based cooling applications. Keeping all the above-mentioned aspects in mind, this paper presents a comprehensive overview of the potential use of MOFs as adsorbent material for adsorption and desiccant cooling technologies. A detailed overview of MOFs, their structure, and their stability are presented. This review will be helpful for the research community to have updated research progress in MOFs and their potential use for adsorption-based cooling systems.

The synthesis of an antifungal 1,2,4-triazole drug and the establishment of a drug delivery system based on zeolitic imidazolate frameworks

Schematic representation of a drug delivery system based on ZIF-8 for the therapy of invasive Candida albicans infections.