Method for producing metal-organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks

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This invention presents a continuous method for the large-scale production of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). It uses a continuous flow reactor where precursor chemicals are mixed into a liquid, which is then heated using microwave irradiation to rapidly induce the formation of MOF or COF materials. The new MOF or COF is continuously withdrawn from the reactor, and the unreacted liquid is separated and optionally recycled back into the system. This approach decreases reaction times and increases overall production efficiency compared to traditional batch methods.

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• Large-scale industrial manufacturing of MOFs and COFs for gas storage, separation, or purification.
• Production of MOFs or COFs as catalysts for chemical or industrial processes.
• Manufacturing of materials for medical applications, such as drug delivery systems or sensors.
• Production of advanced porous materials for energy storage, water purification, or carbon capture.
• Use in research environments requiring rapid synthesis of various framework materials for experimentation or testing.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly reduces reaction times compared to traditional batch synthesis methods.
• Enables continuous and scalable production, suitable for industrial-scale manufacturing.
• Improved process efficiency via fast microwave heating and reaction.
• Higher space-time yield, meaning more product can be generated per unit reactor volume in a given time.
• Potential for energy and cost savings due to shorter production cycles and recyclability of reactants.
• Customization and optimization of synthesis parameters (flow rate, microwave power, etc.) for different target materials.
• Facilitates the production of frameworks with tailored properties for diverse application needs.

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Patent Abstract

It is the objective of the present invention to provide a method for the production of MOF or COF materials where the production can be achieved without interrupting the supply of the raw materials and waiting for the reaction to happen in the batch reactor prior to introducing new reactants. The method shall exhibit low reaction times giving a high space-time yield, which could be applied in the big-scale production of metal or covalent organic frameworks. These objectives are achieved according to the present invention by a method for producing a metal organic framework or covalent organic framework, comprising the steps of: a) mixing precursor components of the metal or covalent organic framework in order to achieve a reaction liquid; b) conveying the reaction liquid continuously into a reaction chamber having a reaction path; c) heating the reaction liquid in the reaction chamber by microwave irradiation to induce the reaction of the precursor components to the desired metal or covalent organic framework; d) continuously drawing the so-generated metal or covalent organic framework from the reaction chamber; and e) separating the so-generated metal organic framework from unreacted remaining reaction liquid. The method now yields rather low reaction times thereby offering high space-time yield which will enable the big-scale production of metal or covalent organic frameworks as shown in the examples below.