JEFFRY BREITBACH METAL ORGANIC FRAMEWORKS

BACKGROUND Problems with “Global Warming” (Climate changes, rising sea levels, decreased snow cover, etc.) Intensity of Global Warming measured by “Radiative Forcing”, with CO2 having the highest. Radiative forcing is defined as the difference between radiant energy received by the earth and energy re- radiated to space. The issue of global warming resulting from increased atmospheric concentrations of CO2 is arguably the most important environmental challenge facing the world today. Thus the efficient capture and storage of gaseous CO2 is a pressing topic.

BACKGROUND Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline compounds consisting of metal ions or clusters coordinated to often rigid organic molecules. MOFs can be used for the storage and release of gases such as hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The vast majority of MOFs are fabricated from nonrenewable materials in harmful solvents. This poses a problem in that it is made from crude oil and often incorporate toxic heavy metals. Some MOFs are made with non toxic and renewable materials allowing for a more “green” method of capturing CO2, and in the case of my experiment can even be edible. MOFs present possible future applications in fuels and to alleviate greenhouse gas concentrations to help solve global warming issues.

GOAL To produce a Metal Organic Framework from renewable resources that shows efficient methods of capturing CO2.

METHODS & MATERIALS Materials: γ- cyclodextrin (Beta- cyclodextrin) Potassium Benzoate Water High Proof Ethanol

METHODS & MATERIALS Methods: Methyl Red indicator color changes (yellow to red). Infrared Spectroscopy

DURING JANUARY TERM 1 week vs. 2 weeks Started running experiments on 1 week. Vacuum filtered Dried Obtained mass Ran IR Immersed in 1 mM Methyl Red-Dichloromethane solution Removed from CH2Cl2 and dried Ran IR Carbon Dioxide treatment using Sodium Bicarbonate and Hydrochloric acid. Ran IR

HYPOTHESIS Hypothesis: I hypothesized that the 2 week experiment will have a higher yield while making the same product.

RESULTS 1 week: 95% Deionized: 0.65 grams 2 week: 95% Distilled: 0.96 grams 95% Tap: 0.66 grams 95%10mL:1.37 grams 100% Deionized: 1.25 grams 100% Distilled:1.25 grams 100% Tap:1.25 grams Beta:0.19 grams 10mL Ethanol:0.82 grams

CARBON DIOXIDE TREATMENT Carbon Dioxide treatment explanation: Flask with side arm Cork with hole Separatory funnel Hose Future will try using dry ice or possibly even CO2 tank.

RESULTS IR were the same in all crystals using gamma- cyclodextrin regardless of type of water or time allowed to grow. Beta very similar just small discrepancies in IR. IR were same before and after 1mM Methyl Red treatment. All gamma crystals were yellow after Methyl Red treatment. Beta was red?

INTERESTING FINDINGS Small peak appeared in 2400 region of IR after CO2 treatment. CO2?

RESULTS Gamma crystals yellow before CO2 treatment and orange-red after treatment. Back to yellow when CO2 concentration decreases. (20-30 minutes uncapped)

PROBLEMS/GOALS Weak readings in the 2400 region. Question: Is it possible that the CO2 is being released by the pressure that the IR places on it? Not enough time during January to find out more about this 2400 region peak that we are interested in. Project remains open for me to move forward with it. Goals: Now that I have a good idea that there is CO2 being taken up by the crystals I would like to find the best way to incorporate more CO2 and obtain stronger readings in this region(2400).

QUESTIONS/SUGGESTIONS