Mark Morey’s MOFs

In the world of nonproliferation, detection of noble gases is of interest. However, noble gases present unique challenges for collection because they are nearly inert with low affinity for traditional microporous solids and instead require cryogenic distillation from large quantities of air. A new alternative solution to this problem has been metal-organic framework solids, or MOFs. Recent studies have made bold claims suggesting that certain MOFs have record high affinity and specificity for noble gases of interest.

Mark Morey, senior principal scientist at STL, proposed an SDRD project, “New Porous Solids for Krypton and Xenon Capture without Cryogenics,” in FY 2022 to verify these bold claims and see if these MOFs might prove useful to the MSTS mission. Over the last two fiscal years, Mark, with his STL team of Manny Manard, Nikhil Maserang, Mark Phillips, Marc Schrier, and Doug Hunter, synthesized three MOFs and confirmed their gas absorbing “superpowers.” They then incorporated the MOFs in an air sampling system for future MOF testing.

The results of this SDRD project show a new path forward for noble gas detection and give rise to new avenues for nonproliferation efforts. We are excited for Mark and his team’s confirmations and discoveries and look forward to more exciting projects for SDRD in the world of chemistry!