Chelating Metal-Organic Frameworks and Their Polymer-Composites For Water Remediation
- Autores: María Calles García
- Directores de la Tesis: Roberto Fernández de Luis (dir. tes.), Viktor I. Petrenko (codir. tes.), Miren Gotzone Barandika Argoitia (tut. tes.)
- Lectura: En la Universidad del País Vasco - Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea ( España ) en 2025
- Idioma: inglés
- Programa de doctorado: Programa de Doctorado en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales por la Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea
- Calificación: Sobresaliente Cum Laude
- Materias:
- Enlaces
- Tesis en acceso abierto en: ADDI
- Resumen
This thesis focuses on the development of composite materials based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the selective removal of toxic heavy metals from water under environmentally relevant conditions.
The work begins with the design and synthesis of novel Zr(IV)-based MOFs using functionalised C4- dicarboxylic acid linkers, including thiomalic acid, dimercaptosuccinic acid, aspartic acid, and transaconitic acid. These ligands provide multiple donor atoms and coordination geometries, enabling the formation of highly stable, porous frameworks with targeted binding sites for heavy metals. The structural and chemical properties of these MOFs were thoroughly characterised, highlighting their strong affinity for metal ions through coordination with carboxylate and thiol groups. To overcome the limitations of powdery MOFs in practical applications, two types of polymer@MOF composites were developed: SPICHI@BCM-1, based on a bio-derived ß-chitin and soy protein matrix, and PVDFHFP@ BCM-5, formed via salt leaching and solvent casting. These composites integrate the high adsorption capacity of MOFs with the mechanical stability and processability of polymeric supports, resulting in flexible, porous membranes suitable for water purification.
Overall, this research contributes a scalable and sustainable strategy for engineering advanced materials capable of efficient multimetal adsorption, offering promising solutions for environmental remediatio
