Working Group 3

The dynamic and evolving landscape of Metal-Organic-Frameworks (MOFs) necessitates precision and uniformity in their development, especially when geared towards specific applications. The activities of WG3 deal with the characterization and standardization of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) at three length scales, with the specific objective to evaluate the performance of MOFs developed for cancer nanomedicine and drug delivery (nano scale), batteries for energy storage (meso scale) and waste water purification (macro scale). A critical aspect of our work is to ensure batch-to-batch reproducibility and sustainability, along with a keen assessment of the physicochemical properties and application-specific performance metrics. This comprehensive approach is designed to propel MOF research and development into new heights of innovation and practicality.

Organization and Tasks

WG3 is structured into three specialized sub-groups, each honing expertise in one of the key applications: cancer medicine, batteries, and water purification. This arrangement allows for a focused yet collaborative effort in advancing MOF technologies. Our tasks are multi-faceted, encompassing:

1. Standardization: WG3 develops standardized workflows for characterizing MOF materials at different length scales for the three specific applications.
2. Characterization of MOF Materials: WG3 oversees the characterization of lab-scale and upscaled MOF materials, focusing on properties such as size, charge, porosity, drug retention, and stability. This task will involve experimental scientists within the associated groups.
3. Performance Evaluation: The group will employ established high-throughput screening methods to evaluate the performance of MOF materials in three key applications. Sub-groups will focus on specific parameters relevant to each application giving crucial feedback to WG1 and WG2 for optimizing synthesis and processing protocols.
4. Collaboration and Integration: Direct collaboration with computational scientists from WG4 will aid in predicting and optimizing MOF properties and performance. Integration of computational modeling with experimental data shall enhance the understanding and design of MOF materials with desired characteristics.

Deliverables and Impact

WG3 aims to deliver significant outputs, including:

1. Characterization Data Repository: A repository dedicated to storing and sharing data and protocols related to the physicochemical properties of MOF materials, including batch-to-batch reproducibility and quality assessment.
2. Performance Evaluation Reports: Regularly updated reports summarizing the performance of MOF materials in the three applications, including results from high-throughput screening methods and sub-group evaluations.
3. Optimized Synthesis Protocols: Refinement of synthesis and processing protocols based on performance evaluation findings to improve MOF materials properties and applications.
4. Collaborative Publications: Collaborative publications integrating experimental and computational findings to advance the understanding and application of MOF materials in various fields.
5. Educational Resources: Resources such as video tutorials, webinars, and case studies to educate both internal and external stakeholders about MOF characterization and performance evaluation.
6. Collaboration Tools: Interactive features facilitating communication and collaboration among COST members, including forums, document sharing, and project management tools.

Our work is intricately linked with that of WG1 and WG2 giving feedback on synthesis and protocols as well as WG4, which focuses on predicting MOF structures and properties. The challenges highlighted by WG4, such as the need for standardized databases and trend analysis across scales and applications, resonate deeply with our objectives. Our collaborative efforts are aimed at overcoming the hurdles of insufficient data, leveraging machine learning, and achieving technological breakthroughs in MOF applications. This COST action, through its concerted efforts, stands at the forefront of transforming MOF research into tangible, scalable solutions that address critical needs in medicine, energy, and environmental sustainability.

WG3 Leader: Dr. Evelyn PLOETZ (evelyn.ploetz@lmu.de)

WG3 Co-Leader: Dr. Bettina BAUMGARTNER (b.baumgartner@uva.nl)