Metal-organic framework templated synthesis of porous inorganic materials as novel sorbents

US9597658B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC · US
• The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill · US
• THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · US

Inventors

• Kathryn M. L. Taylor-Pashow · Aiken, US
• Wenbin Lin · Chicago, US
• Carter W. Abney · Califon, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 1, 2014
• Grant date: Mar 21, 2017
• Expiry date: Nov 20, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C02F2103/10
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A novel metal-organic framework (MOF) templated process for the synthesis of highly porous inorganic sorbents for removing radionuclides, actinides, and heavy metals is disclosed. The highly porous nature of the MOFs leads to highly porous inorganic sorbents (such as oxides, phosphates, sulfides, etc) with accessible surface binding sites that are suitable for removing radionuclides from high level nuclear wastes, extracting uranium from acid mine drainage and seawater, and sequestering heavy metals from waste streams. In some cases, MOFs can be directly used for removing these metal ions as MOFs are converted to highly porous inorganic sorbents in situ.