A Research Experience at Seoul National University: Metal-Organic Frameworks for Gas

StorageAdam Jaffe

PEI/Energy Grand ChallengeSeoul National University, Professor M. P. Suh

A Brief ExplanationI wanted an experience abroad without compromising

on relevancy towards career plans.

Research OverviewMetal-organic frameworks are comprised of metal ions

connected via organic linkers.Currently, they show promise

for gas storage (e.g. H2 orCO2).

The first MOF discovered is called MOF-5:

Zn4O OH

O

HO

O

My ResearchMy project was to attempt to synthesize this new ligand:

And then to create new MOFs by combining it with various metal ions.This second part wasunsuccessful, but…

O

O

N

N

O

O

O

O

HO

O

OH

O Success!

300 MHz, DMSO

Where did I fit in?I worked for Professor M. P. Suh’s research

lab in the chemistry department.There were many other graduate students

and post-docs working on similar (but obviously more extended) projects in the lab.

My research will be continued by some of the members and hopefully lead to a publication!

CultureI also had wonderful cultural experiences including

great food, classical music, visiting a traditional Korean folk village, and of course making friends.

ConclusionsI had a wonderful experience,

worked very hard, and was rewarded in many ways.

I learned a lot about chemistry and materials science, but also about Korean culture.

It has taught me more about alternative energy storage and provided a possible career path.

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Professor M. P. Suh for her generosity and guidance.

Also thanks to Seung-An Chyun who was a good friend and helped show me around Korea.

Finally, thank you to PEI/Energy Grand Challenges for funding such a wonderful trip.