Solving the CO2 Problem with Functional Porous Materials

Welcome to join us for a research seminar by Professor Charl FJ FAULfrom the University of Bristol, UK. 

Title of the talk: Solving the CO₂ Problem with Functional Porous Materials

Host: Prof. Olli Ikkala, Department of Applied Physics

Abstract of the talk: The reliance on fossil fuel resources, dating back to the Industrial Revolution, has led to drastically increasing energy demands, and a resulting increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂), in the atmosphere.  These rising CO₂ levels are recognized as a global problem that requires new approaches, including novel functional materials, to solve this challenge.¹  To contribute solutions to address these challenges, we have focused our efforts in recent years on the production of functional polymeric materials.²  The focus in this presentation will be on the various strategies we are employing to tune properties, structure and functionality in conjugated microporous polymeric (CMP) materials.³

Schematic above showing porous polymers for CO₂ conversion to valuable chemicals, fuels and feedstocks. We have developed a method, the so-called Bristol-Xi’an Jiatong (BXJ), to tuneably address surface areas, pore sizes and pore size distributions, and functionality in conjugated microporous polymers.⁴  This approach explores matching the Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSPs) of the growing polymer chains with the solvent – better matching leads to higher solubility, and better control over the mentioned properties.

The versatility of these materials is shown in their wide application areas: a) in energy storage devices,^5a b) for the removal of harmful pollutants from water,^5b and c) metal-free and co-catalyst free conversion of CO₂ to fuels,^6a and other valuable chemical feedstocks.^6b Further areas that are currently being explored relate to the use of our porous materials for H₂ storage.

These porous framework materials present an exciting platform to address the global challenges we currently face in a green and sustainable fashion.

Read more about Prof. Faul's research at https://faulresearchgroup.com/

References:

[1] U. Karatayeva, S. A. A. Siyabi, B. B. Narzary, B. C. Baker, C. F. J. Faul, Adv. Sci. 2024, 2308228

[2] a) B. B. Narzary, B. C. Baker, N. Yadav, V. D’Elia, C. F. J. Faul, Polym. Chem. 2021, 12, 6494; b) K. Amin, N. Ashraf, L-J. Mao, C. F. J. Faul, Z. Wei, Nano Energy 2021, 85, 105958

[3] Y. Liao, J. Weber, C. F. J. Faul, Chem. Commun. 2014, 50, 8002

[4] a) J. Chen, W. Yan, E. J. Townsend, J. Feng, L. Pan, V. Del Angel Hernandez, C. F. J. Faul, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019, 58, 11715; b) J. Chen, T. Qiu, W. Yan, C. F. J. Faul, J. Mater. Chem. A 2020, 8, 22657

[5] a) K. Amin, J. Zhang, H-Y. Zhou, R. Lu, M. Zhang, N. Ashraf, Y. Cheng, L-J. Mao, C. F. J. Faul, Z. Wei, Sustainable Energy Fuels 2020, 4, 4179; b) J. C. Maxwell, B. C. Baker, C. F. J. Faul, ACS Applied Polym. Mater. 2023, 5, 662

[6] a) B. B. Narzary, B. C. Baker, C. F. J. Faul, Adv. Mater. 2023, 2211795; b) B. B. Narzary, U. Karatayeva, J. Mintah, M. Villeda-Hernandez, C. F. J. Faul, Mater. Chem. Front. 2023, 7, 4473