Competitive Advantages
- Inexpensive, readily available molecular components
- Potential for energy efficient hydrogen storage techniques
- Novel materials for water softening and purification treatments
- Shape selective catalyst
Summary
USF inventors have designed and manufactured Zeolite-like metal organic frameworks. These ZMOFs have very important industrial applications, including as shape or size selective catalysts and as desiccants. ZMOFs have also shown potential for gas storage. In particular, its ability to store molecular hydrogen is of present scientific interest as it may hold the key to this nation’s energy needs. While there are a few methods available for storing hydrogen in fuel cells, ZMOFs represent a more energy efficient and inexpensive technique that will store more hydrogen by weight than even carbon nanotubes currently can. Additionally, ZMOFs have shown promise in acting as ion-exchangers that can be used in water softening and purification treatments. This invention offers a wide range of versatility in various markets and is certain to usher in a new approach to developing compounds with boundless commercial prospects.
Optically magnified digital image of single crystals (left) . Model of one zeolite-like framework demon-strating framework cages (green), void space (yellow sphere), and organic functionality (right)
Desired Partnerships
- License
- Sponsored Research
- Co-Development