MOF glasses, hybrid structures that assemble metal atoms and organic molecules, are capable of trapping gases such as CO₂ or hydrogen. The problem? These materials degrade rapidly at high temperatures, making them difficult to shape. But researchers have found a solution that is both simple and ingenious, inspired by antiquity and with the help of an AI.
The international team, including scientists from the University of Dortmund and the University of Birmingham, published its results in
Nature Chemistry. Their discovery shows that adding small amounts of sodium- or lithium-based compounds profoundly alters the structure and properties of MOF glass. These additives lower the softening temperature without degradation, simplifying manufacturing.
Carefully chosen chemical additives modify the behavior of MOF glasses, helping to control their transformation.
Credit: Shutterstock This approach is directly inspired by how silicate glasses have been improved since antiquity. By disrupting the internal network, the melting point and mechanical properties are adjusted. Dr. Dominik Kubicki from Birmingham explains that MOF glasses, such as ZIF-62, soften above 300 °C (572 °F), just before degrading. Thanks to these additives, the transformation window widens, paving the way for practical applications.
To understand how sodium alters the structure, researchers used advanced techniques. High-temperature nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was performed in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence enabled modeling of the complex interactions. Simulations revealed that sodium does not merely fill the pores: it sometimes replaces zinc atoms, slightly relaxing the structure and changing its behavior.
These results make it possible to design custom MOF glasses suited to cutting-edge technologies such as gas separation, chemical storage, or special coatings. The prospects are promising.
The study demonstrates that ancient principles of glassmaking can be transferred to modern hybrid materials. This brings MOF glasses closer to industrial production and practical applications in the fields of energy and the environment.