Structural engineering in MOFs and COFs for challenging CO₂ adsorption.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Crystalline porous frameworks, including MOFs and COFs, show promise for separations.
• Industrial application requires enhanced stability, selectivity, and functionality.
• Existing frameworks face challenges in humid, dilute, and high-pressure CO2 capture scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the need for robust design strategies in crystalline porous frameworks.
• To survey methods for improving CO2 capture under challenging industrial conditions.
• To bridge fundamental research with practical separation challenges.

Main Methods:

• Systematic survey of structural engineering strategies for CO2 capture.
• Analysis of techniques including hydrophobic site engineering, pore confinement, and chemisorption.
• Review of designs for thermal and mechanical stability.

Main Results:

• Identified key strategies for CO2 capture in humid environments and dilute concentrations.
• Highlighted methods for enhancing adsorption via pore confinement and electrostatic interactions.
• Discussed designs for improved thermal/mechanical stability, such as interpenetrated frameworks and mixed-matrix membranes.

Conclusions:

• Structural engineering is critical for developing advanced porous materials for CO2 capture.
• The surveyed strategies advance fundamental understanding and guide future material design.
• This work supports the development of next-generation materials for real-world applications and negative emissions.