Green coordination polymers for water remediation

Research question

The project aims to develop novel crystalline porous materials known as coordination polymers or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) which will be applied for removing emerging contaminants from wastewater such as pharmaceutical pollutants. Conventionally such materials are synthesized using synthetic organic molecules often derived from petrochemicals. In this project novel MOFs will instead be made from common plant-based molecules, more specifically the building units of polyphenols.

Sustainability aspects

By developing novel materials that efficiently capture emerging contaminants in wastewater, we strive to address the UN Sustainability Development Goals SDG 6 – Clean water and sanitation, as well as SDG 14 – Life below water. By replacing synthetic organic molecules for the development of these porous materials and applying concepts of green chemistry, we also aim to address SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production.