Phosphinic acid based metal-organic frameworks for removal of emerging pollutants and heavy metals

We aim to synthesize novel metal-organic frameworks (MOF) using phosphinic acid based linkers for removal of emerging pollutants and heavy metals. The high water stability of phosphinate MOFs combined with their chemical variability make them an attractive system for these applications. We will exert the structural modularity using di-, tri- and tetra-valent linkers and M2+, M3+ and M4+ metals. In combination with molecular modelling we will design MOF bearing functional groups to maximize the properties of prepared MOFs. The structure determination will be made by electron diffraction tomography, a method suitable for nanocrystaline powders. The applicability of the prepared MOFs will be tested for i) sorption of endocrine disruptors, ii) catalytic degradation of organophosphates, and iii) sorption of heavy metals. We believe that the high hydrothermal stability coupled with the possibility of fine-tuning of the pore size and functionality will enable us to find optimal MOF structures for given applications.