Development and characterization of a novel, lightweight and porous material formed via strong covalent organic frameworks for hydrogen storage / Muhammad Afiq Aizuddin Musa

The depletion of fossil fuels and the ever present issue of global warming has spawned significant research in cleaner technology, which aims to achieve zero emissions. Whilst considering alternatives to fossil fuels, researcher came upon hydrogen; a safe, abundant, high energy content, renewable and more economical than current fuels. The crux of the problem in replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen is that there is lack of lightweight, high capacity storage systems, which are necessary in order to ensure wider application, especially in the transportation industry. The implementation of nanoporous materials is becoming increasingly more prevalent due to their unique characteristics, which make them highly applicable in a multitude of different functionalities. Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) are one of the new types of nanoporous material constructed from covalently bonded non-metals. COFs exhibit several advantages such as low density, high thermal stability and the framework can be tailored for specific applications. Modifying the well-established COF-1 synthesis route, three new COFs have been synthesized; namely COF-Sb₂0₃, Sb₂0₃/mesitylene/dioxane through the addition of antimony trioxide and MeCOF-1 through the addition of silicon oxide. Analysis of the new frameworks with respect to published COF-1 analyses it is evident that the syntheses have been successful and that there are inherent similarities due to the use of common precursor building blocks (BDBA, mesitylene and dioxane)...