The newly developed MOF consists of three-dimensional molecular tunnels with diameters of 1-2 nanometers (nm), formed by chemical bonds between metals and organic materials. (Image: Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology)
SEOUL, Dec. 24 (Korea Bizwire) — An international research team has developed a new foldable porous nano-material based on the principles of kirigami, a variation of origami that involves both folding and cutting paper.
According to an announcement made by Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) on December 23, the collaborative research team, including professors Choe Wonyoung and Oh Hyunchul from UNIST’s Chemistry Department, along with partners from Technical University of Dresden, Technical University of Dortmund, and professor Moon Hoiri from Ewha Womans University, has successfully created a foldable metal organic framework (MOF) with porous characteristics.
The newly developed MOF consists of three-dimensional molecular tunnels with diameters of 1-2 nanometers (nm), formed by chemical bonds between metals and organic materials. Its connecting structure resembles kirigami patterns, allowing molecular tunnels to be folded or unfolded in specific directions.
Kirigami, an evolution of origami, is a craft technique that permits both folding and cutting to achieve more diverse forms and structures, commonly seen in pop-up books and 3D cards.
The research team selected and synthesized specific metals and organic materials suitable for creating kirigami patterns. They then analyzed the internal structure of the synthesized MOF through X-ray diffraction experiments.
The results revealed that external stimuli such as temperature, pressure, and molecules could precisely control the size, direction, and dimension of the molecular tunnels connected in kirigami patterns.
Notably, the team confirmed that by folding and unfolding the molecular tunnels, they could block or selectively open fluid flow in specific directions, similar to how manifolds function in boiler distributors and water supply systems.
“This research demonstrates our ability to implement folding mechanisms inspired by paper art at the molecular level,” said a research team representative. “It suggests new directions for designing metamaterials with characteristics not found in nature.”
The team added that the developed foldable MOF could be applied to creating smart adsorbents and materials for energy storage and separation.
The research findings were published online in the international chemistry journal “Angewandte Chemie International Edition” on November 21. The study was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea, which operates under the Ministry of Science and ICT, and UNIST.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
