Scientists at The University of Manchester have developed a new material capable of capturing benzene, a harmful air pollutant, offering a potential solution to a significant environmental and health risk. This innovative material, known as a metal-organic framework (MOF), is an ultra-porous structure that has been modified to filter out benzene far more efficiently than current materials.
Benzene is commonly used as an industrial solvent and in the production of chemicals, plastics, and synthetic fibers. However, it is also released into the air from sources like vehicle exhaust, petrol stations, and cigarette smoke. Classified as a human carcinogen, benzene exposure can lead to serious health effects, making its removal from the air essential to protect public health.
The research, published in Nature Materials, could bring significant improvements to air quality. According to Martin Schröder, Professor of Chemistry at The University of Manchester, removing benzene at low concentrations has been a persistent challenge, particularly in real-world conditions. Existing methods, such as oxidation and biological treatment, often struggle to achieve high efficiency and may produce hazardous by-products. This study addresses these issues, offering a safer and more effective approach to removing benzene from the air.
MOFs, advanced materials composed of metal centers and organic molecules, are uniquely suited for air purification due to their porous structures and customizable interiors. The research team focused on modifying a specific MOF, known as MIL-125, by incorporating single atoms of various elements, including zinc, iron, cobalt, nickel, and copper. Their goal was to identify the modification that would most effectively capture benzene.
The team discovered that adding a single zinc atom to the structure greatly enhanced the MOF’s efficiency, allowing it to capture benzene at ultra-low concentrations, down to parts per million (ppm). The new material, dubbed MIL-125-Zn, achieved a benzene uptake rate of 7.63 mmol per gram, setting a new standard for benzene capture capabilities.
Another advantage of MIL-125-Zn is its resilience in humid conditions. Many materials lose effectiveness when exposed to moisture, but this modified MOF remains stable and continues to filter benzene even in humid environments, showing promise for long-term application in diverse settings.
Sihai Yang, Professor of Chemistry and co-lead researcher, highlighted the significance of this breakthrough in demonstrating the impact of atomic-level modifications. While the current research centers on benzene, the design and methodology could potentially be adapted to capture other harmful gases, paving the way for solutions to various environmental challenges.
The research team plans to collaborate with industry partners to explore applications for MIL-125-Zn in air purification systems for homes, workplaces, and industrial sites. If successfully integrated, this material could play a transformative role in improving air quality and reducing exposure to hazardous pollutants.
Source: University of Manchester