In this blog post, we will look at the potential of metal organic frameworks (MOFs), an innovative material for solving energy depletion and environmental issues.
Humankind achieved a revolutionary breakthrough in civilization through the use of fossil fuels such as oil and coal during the industrial revolution that took place between the mid-18th and early 19th centuries. This industrial revolution, which began with the invention of the steam engine, completely changed the way people lived. Rapid advancements in transportation, communication, and manufacturing spurred urbanization and population growth, leading to the modern civilization we live in today. However, this development was not always positive. As a result of over-reliance on fossil fuels, humanity has been faced with the problem of energy depletion.
This has also been accompanied by serious environmental problems, the most prominent of which is global warming. Carbon dioxide, which is produced when fossil fuels such as coal and oil are burned, is accumulating in the atmosphere and increasing the Earth’s temperature. As a result, polar ice is melting, sea levels are rising, and climate change is becoming more serious. These problems have developed beyond the issue of energy depletion and have become a matter of survival for humanity to live sustainably. Eventually, we began to seek various technological solutions to solve these problems.
Currently, the world is constantly conducting research to solve these problems, and breakthroughs are beginning to emerge one or two at a time that can increase energy efficiency and alleviate environmental problems. One of the most notable technologies is metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). MOF is a material made by combining metal ions and organic molecules. It has a highly porous structure, making it excellent at absorbing and storing various gases.
When you hear the word “LEGO,” you probably think of the toys you used to play with as a child. However, the “LEGO” I’m talking about in this article is not that toy, but a metaphor for a metal organic framework. A metal organic framework has a structure with various functional parts connected to it, so it can be assembled in various ways like LEGO blocks. Metal ions that act as connecting points and organic molecules that connect them combine to create various structures, and these structures can be adjusted to suit the desired properties. MOFs have the characteristic that their uses can vary infinitely depending on their components. Thanks to this characteristic, they have attracted the attention of many scientists, and their potential applications have been confirmed in various fields such as energy, the environment, and the chemical industry.
In particular, MOFs show great potential in hydrogen storage technology. Hydrogen is attracting attention as the next generation of clean energy, but its transportation and storage have been major obstacles to its commercialization. Without technology that can safely and efficiently store hydrogen, its potential is limited. However, metal-organic frameworks offer the possibility of storing hydrogen stably thanks to their large pores and large surface area. Although it is not yet perfect, MOF boasts higher efficiency than other existing storage materials, and as a result, more research is being conducted.
Metal-organic frameworks can also be used to remove radioactive materials. The Fukushima nuclear disaster caused by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake resulted in a large-scale release of radioactive materials. The radioactive materials released at the time posed a major threat not only to Japan but also to the entire world, and the severity of the situation became a global controversy. At this time, metal-organic frameworks were used to adsorb and remove radioactive materials. Of course, it did not completely remove all radioactive materials, but MOF’s ability to adsorb radioactive materials clearly showed great promise. If research continues, metal-organic frameworks are expected to play an important role in removing radioactive materials.
As we enter the 21st century, we are still benefiting from highly advanced technology. However, these technological advancements are also presenting us with new challenges. Modern civilization, which relies on fossil fuels, is not sustainable, and the need for alternative energy and solutions to environmental problems is becoming more urgent. The Fukushima nuclear power plant accident is a prime example, warning that human-made technology can sometimes cause uncontrollable disasters. Nevertheless, technological development cannot be stopped, and we must consider how to make it safer and more sustainable.
In this situation, metal-organic frameworks are innovative materials that have emerged like a comet. They have the potential to solve both energy and environmental problems, and their potential for use is growing. Although it may still be unfamiliar to the general public, metal-organic frameworks are likely to become an essential material in our daily lives in the near future. If we continue to pay attention to and research this new material, it will become an important key to the future. The new technological innovations that metal-organic frameworks will bring will open up a brighter future for humanity.
