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Structure-property-function relationships in Metal Organic Frameworks for Energy Harvesting

RESEARCH PROGRAMMES

P1: Nanotechnology for energy harvesting

P5: Ultrafast phenomena at the nanoscale

PhD PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The future of electrically conducting materials is moving apart from the current design-limited metal-oxide semiconductors technology. In this perspective, three-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) containing transition metals have been proposed as an elegant synthetic strategy to achieve novel electrically conducting materials. Although this research is still in its infancy, mainly due to the low conductivity nature of these materials, some strategies exist to critically improve electron transport allowing one to reach conductivities comparable to that of graphene. This recent discovery of electrically conductive MOFs has hence opened broad areas of potential applications of MOFs in optoelectronics and gas sensing.

This project is devoted to the electrical characterization study of novel switchable 3D MOF by means of which new functional molecule-based materials. These unprecedented architectures will be based on a coordination switchable compound formed by: i) a Spin CrossOver (SCO) metal centre, providing great sensitivity through signal transduction, and ii) a modified organic ligand, providing high electron conducting transport through the network. Excitingly, these structures will be capable of showing at room temperature an amplified, reversible, and easily detectable signal.

To effectively tackle these challenges, the work is structured in the following specific research objectives:

  • Macroscopic scale design, synthesis, structural and physico-chemical characterization of novel SCO-based 3D MOF materials will be developed. For the first time, the highly sensitive properties of SCO components will be combined with highly electrical conductivity 3D networks. The synthesis of 3−D MOF family based on the {Fe2(bdp)3} family being the bdp, 1,4-benzenedipyrazolate is of great interest because: i) the Fe2(bdp)3 based-materials form triangular highly stable structures with high porosity; ii) a polymorph of this framework has been reported by Long and Dincă et al. to provide the highest conductance ever reported in MOFs and iii) remarkably the coordination sphere surrounding the iron metal centre has the adequate ligand field to show the switchable spin crossover behavior as reported in similar structures.
  • For analyzing carrier dynamics, the main tool that will be employed will be time-resolved Terahertz spectroscopy, a tool that allows the determination of the time resolved (photo)conductivity of a sample in a contactless fashion and on ultrafast timescales. This tool will be eventually complemented by conductivity contact methods as 4-probe and Quantum Hall effect. Secondment options at the Max Planck institute for polymer research in Mainz (Dept. of Molecular Spectroscopy – Prof. Mischa Bonn) and Technical University of Dresden (Prof. Xinliang Feng) are viable for deepening into mastering ultrafast spectroscopy and synthesis respectively.
  • Maximizing the impact of this project through disseminating and communicating about the project and its results to the different target audiences and through promoting the exploitation of the most relevant results.

The selected candidate will benefit from an exciting line of research within a high profile international collaboration; and being exposed to different scientific environments and world-class facilities.

APPLICANT’S REQUIREMENTS

The candidate should have background in Physical-Chemistry, Material Science or in a closely related field of science. An ideal candidate will have research interests aligned with: charge carrier dynamics, charge transport, and coordination polymers called metal-organic frameworks. A general chemistry background is highly appreciated mainly in coordination chemistry to allow the student to achieve the synthetic goal of this project. Practical skills on electrical characterization (optical and magneto-electrical) will be an advantage for the development of the project. Furthermore, the ability to work on an interdisciplinary topic and international environment, analytical but creative thinking and effective communication skills are also of importance.

RESEARCH GROUP DESCRIPTION

The project will be conducted at IMDEA Nanoscience (Madrid, Spain), a Severo Ochoa center of excellence, in the groups of Enrique Cánovas and José Sanchez Costa.

Dr. Cánovas´ group (Nanostructured Photovoltaics) is focused on studying carrier dynamics and charge transport in semiconductors and their nano-structures. The group is composed by 3PDs, 4PhDs and 1 Technician.

Dr. Jose Sanchez Costa (Switchable Nanomaterials) is developing multifunctional switchable coordination porous materials at different scale of matter (from bulk crystals to the nanosize). The group is actually composed by 3 PDs and 2 PhD students.

RESEARCH SUPERVISOR

Prof. Enrique Cánovas Díaz
enrique.canovas@imdea.org

Research Group website:https://ecanovas6.wixsite.com/nanopv

Other websites:

https://www.mpip-mainz.mpg.de/en/bonn
https://tu-dresden.de/mn/chemie/mc/mc2/die-professur