Research Overview

From the water purifiers in our homes to catalysts in industrial processes, molecular framework and porous materials quietly make many technologies possible. They often go unnoticed, but these materials play an important role in areas like energy, sustainability, and the environment.

The Molecular Framework Laboratory at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad focuses on designing, synthesizing, and studying molecular framework materials, such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and other porous solids. Our work primarily focuses on understanding the structure-property relationship of these materials that affects their porosity, stability, and overall function. We apply these functional molecular frameworks for applications like gas storage and separation, water purification, catalysis, chemical sensing, and energy transformation.

Technology Innovation

1. Through systematic design, a unique media has been developed for the first time for inkless and erasable printing. This technology is based on systematic development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which offers the potential of solving the problem of deforestation for paper production.

2. Artificial muscle has been developed employing a photoresponsive covalent organic framework (COF) film, that is capable of lifting 18 times of its own weight.

3. Tailored design has been implemented in synthesis of a covalent organic framework (COF) that shows high water uptake, making a potential candidate for atmospheric water harvesting.