Dissertations and Theses

Date of Award

2013

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

Teresa J. Bandosz

Keywords

Pollution, Doping, metal organic, framework, enviromental conncerns, nitrogen

Abstract

Pollution issues and environmental concerns have led to the development of various air purification technologies. Nitrogen dioxide NO2 is one of the toxic gases in the atmosphere that is corrosive; it causes severe damage to materials, even at low concentrations. Research on the adsorption of this gas at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperatures is uncommon because of limited industrial applications. The thermal stability and microporous nature of Zirconium-based Metal Organic Framework (Zr-MOF) UiO-66 and UiO-67 make them good candidates for metal or amine decoration. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of metal or amine doping (direct synthesis) on the textural properties and adsorption capabilities of UiO in both moist and dry conditions. The samples were characterized before and after exposure to NO2 by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, N2- adsorption at 77K, thermal analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. The results indicate the importance of the dopant in the NO2 removal process. Favorable interactions between the dopant (incorporated in the MOF) and NO2 are exhibited in either condition depending on the chemistry of the dopant. These interactions result in the formation of nitrate and nitrite species. Moreover, organic ligands also contribute to NO2 reactive adsorption via nitration reaction.

Comments

To my parents who have been a unique blessing to have in my life, for there encouragements, support and motivations. I am forever grateful to have them in my life. And will continue to do the best I can for them.

I would also like to acknowledge my mentor for all her advice and efforts over the past two years as her student. I am forever grateful for your patience, support and guidance. I have learned plenty, and aspire to learn more. I would also like to acknowledge my lab mates, whom have become more of a family to me. They have helped me greatly. Thank you Anna kleyman, Mykola Sedrych, Niyi Mabayoje, Marc Florent, Kaifala S. Kante, Svetlana Bashkova, Rajiv Wallace, Lilja Nielsen and Kavindra Singh for all your help. I would also like to acknowledge my family and friends whom have helped me every inch of the way. I would also like to thank my committee for having accepting this position, and taking the time to accommodate me.

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