Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a relatively new and exciting class of porous materials comprised of 3D networks of metal sites and organic linkers and are conveniently formed by self-assembly. They are some of the highest surface area materials known, and are promising materials for CO₂ sequestration, catalysis, hydrogen storage and gas separations due to their high surface area and versatile compositions and structure. However, the high cost of the chemical precursors for these MOF materials is a major limiting factor for their commercialization and large-scale industrial applications. This project is aimed at using a new technique developed by the group to recycle waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) - a commodity plastic, ubiquitous in the form of plastic bottles and containers, and a major contributor to urban pollution- into a sustainable source of starting materials for making high-value, functional MOF materials.

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