Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based catalytic membrane reactor for sustainable manufacturing

This PhD project aims at the development of novel catalytic hybrid polymer/metal-organic framework membranes (polyMOF membrane) for intensification of continuous-flow click chemistry. The methodology for fabricating polyMOF membranes using clicked mixed matrix membrane will be developed. This project will explore the use of click chemistry for preparing hybrid polymer/metal-organic framework membranes solving the fundamental compatibility problem between polymer and inorganic phase. The novel catalytic polyMOF membranes will consist of a surface-modified membrane and surface modified MOF which can be covalently linked via click chemistry. The catalyst will be a catalytic copper containing MOFs (e.g. Cu(2-pymo)2 or CuBDC) for CuAAC reactions. Catalytic membrane reactions will be developed in continuous operation mode.

In this project, you will focus on (i) preparation of surface-modified ultrafiltration membrane; (ii) synthesis of surface-modified copper-containing MOF; (iii) attachment of MOF to the membrane via click-chemistry and annealing; (iv) chemical, morphological, and performance characterisation of the catalytic membranes; and (v) continuously operated catalytic membrane reactor for sustainable production of fine chemicals.

If you wish to apply for this project, please choose ’PhD Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science’ from the list of available programmes.