FLUORINATED METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORKS FOR HYDROCARBON STORAGE

摘要

Fluorinated metal-organic frameworks (“FMOFs”) are capable of adsorbing and desorbing hydrocarbons, namely, C6-C8 hydrocarbon oil components (n-hexane, cyclohexane, benzene and toluene). FMOFs can be arranged in a variety of configurations and have internal hollow channels and cavities. In FMOFs, hydrogen atoms have been substituted completely or partially with fluorine atoms or fluorinated groups in each linking organic ligand. These FMOFs can adsorb C6-C8 hydrocarbons, up to 500 kg/m³ as demonstrated for toluene, through a combination of superhydrophobicity and capillary action. No water adsorption was detectable even under extreme conditions including moist air near 100% relative humidity and immersion in water for multiple weeks, demonstrating far superior water resistance to BPL carbon and zeolites. These materials are stable and can be readily recycled by simple desorption many times. The FMOFs have applications in removal or containment of organics, particularly in the fields of oil spill cleanup and hydrocarbon storage.