Block Coordination Copolymers for Tunable Pore Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coordination polymers lack the ability to create materials with tunable and specific pore sizes and structures for applications such as separation and catalysis, limiting their effectiveness in size and shape selective processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of coordination copolymers through sequential growth techniques, allowing for the creation of materials with multiple layered configurations of different coordination polymers, enabling control over pore sizes and structures for specific applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional coordination polymers are used, then the material structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pore size and structure cannot be tuned for specific applications
Solution Approach 1:
The coordination polymer is segmented into distinct blocks (first coordination polymer blocks and second coordination polymer blocks) with different compositions and properties. This segmentation allows each block to contribute specific functionalities, enabling tunable pore sizes and structures while maintaining overall material coherence through the coordinated metal ion framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite coordination polymer material by combining two or more different coordination polymers into a single block coordination copolymer. This composite approach allows the material to exhibit properties of both constituent polymers, achieving tunable pore characteristics and enhanced adaptability for specific applications such as size-selective catalysis or separation processes.
2Reliability
If sequential growth techniques are used to create multi-layered coordination copolymers, then selectivity and capacity for separations and catalysis are enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sequential growth technique employs preliminary action by first forming nuclei of the first coordination polymer, then systematically adding precursors for the second coordination polymer in a controlled manner. This stepwise preliminary formation of each block ensures proper layering and interface formation, enhancing the final material's selectivity and capacity while providing a systematic manufacturing approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process incorporates dynamic control through sequential addition of metal ion sources and organic linking compounds under controlled conditions. The dynamic adjustment of precipitation rates, layer formation timing, and interface control allows optimization of both manufacturing ease and final material performance, enabling reproducible production of multi-layered structures with enhanced selectivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach results in materials with high selectivity and capacity for size and shape selective separations and catalysis, enhancing their performance in processes like adsorption and chemical reactions.
Implementation Method 1
Stable coordination polymers are obtained by adding organic molecules capable of complex formation, like diamines or diacids, to dissolved inorganic salts
Implementation Method 2
The atomic structure of any coordination polymers can be determined by x-ray crystallography, the dimensions of the pores or channels can be determined with excellent certainty
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides compositions of crystalline coordination copolymers wherein multiple organic molecules are assembled to produce porous framework materials with layered or core-shell structures. These materials are synthesized by sequential growth techniques such as the seed growth technique. In addition, the invention provides a simple procedure for controlling functionality.