Using Pair Distribution Function Analysis for the Characterization of Rare-Earth Metal-Organic Frameworks

This research project consists in obtaining detailed information about the structure of a particular class of crystalline materials named metal–organic frameworks, comprised of inorganic nodes interconnected by organic linkers. Their highly ordered structure allows the use of routine characterization techniques to earn insights about the organization of atoms and molecules within their framework. However, due to the existence of localized disorder in small (but repetitive) parts of the structure, is not possible to know the structure of the material in detail. To complete this task a state-of-the-art technique called pair distribution function will be used, by applying X-rays on the material, this energy will interact in a specific way with the atoms present in the MOF giving detailed information about the distance between them, allowing to understand how atoms are organized in the disordered space and earn a detailed understanding about the structure of the MOFs. This information will be used to explain the relationship between the structure of the material and its performance for the detoxification of a mustard gas simulant, facilitating the design of more efficient MOFs for this application.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ashlee Howarth

Student:

Partner:

Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Sustainability & the Environment

University:

Concordia University

Program: