In a search for the next generation of filtration materials, for use in devices such as gas masks, a group of US scientists has synthesised a series of porous organic polymers (POPs) bearing metal-catecholate groups. By changing the molecular building blocks the researchers were able to tailor the materials to hydrogen bond to, and consequently remove, different toxins, such as ammonia.
POPs are very similar in nature to metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) but do not suffer from such instability, particularly towards water, making them ideal for use as filters in real-word environments.
Read this ‘HOT’ Communication now:
Removal of airborne toxic chemicals by porous organic polymers containing metal–catecholates
Mitchell H. Weston , Gregory W. Peterson , Matthew A. Browe , Paulette Jones , Omar K. Farha , Joseph T. Hupp and SonBinh T. Nguyen
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 2995-2997
