Solving the Energy Waste Roadblock (CO2MOF network)

SIEF supports research to solve the Energy Waste Roadblock

The challenge

Green energy

Using MOFs for the capture and utilisation of carbon dioxide.

Annual global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) have increased by approximately 80% since 1970, largely due to our increasing and unabated dependence on fossil fuels for energy generation. As atmospheric concentrations of this ubiquitous greenhouse gas have grown, so too has international concern of the effects of CO2 in the atmosphere, making this issue one of the most critical environmental concerns about our age. Ways of capturing, storing and using CO2 need to be identified and explored.

The response

The Solving the Energy Waste Roadblock project (CO2MOF network) is addressing one of the most pressing challenges presented by this issue, namely the development of new materials and processes for the capture and utilisation of carbon dioxide. Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are one of the most promising class of materials and their properties make them ideal candidates for gas storage, separation and catalysis. The project also has a clear focus on the use of these materials in industrial applications.

The collaboration

This project involves a range of disciplines from theoretical chemistry (molecular modelling) to chemical engineering, thus the collaborators are drawn from multidisciplinary research teams from seven institutions; The University of Sydney, The University of Melbourne, Monash University, The University of New South Wales, The University of Adelaide, CSIRO and ANSTO.

Projected impact

Through the development of novel MOF materials with separation and catalytic properties, the CO2MOF network aims to:

  • Mitigate climate change by developing novel materials which can selectively remove CO2 from waste gas streams including from industries such as coal-burning power stations change
  • Create economic value by converting the CO2 waste stream into new products
  • Develop methods for the economical production of MOFs on a large scale for industrial use.

Download: Solving the Energy Waste Roadblock (CO2MOF network) brochure [pdf · 81kb]