Unprecedented Radiation Resistant Thorium–Binaphthol Metal–Organic Framework

Gilson, Sara E.; Fairley, Melissa; Julien, Patrick; Oliver, Allen G.; Hanna, Sylvia L.; Arntz, Grace; Farha, Omar K.; LaVerne, Jay A.; Burns, Peter C.

doi:10.1021/jacs.0c05272

DOE OSTI · 1642447

Unprecedented Radiation Resistant Thorium–Binaphthol Metal–Organic Framework

Gilson, Sara E.·Fairley, Melissa·Julien, Patrick·Oliver, Allen G.·Hanna, Sylvia L.·Arntz, Grace·Farha, Omar K.·LaVerne, Jay A.·Burns, Peter C.

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Abstract

A thorium–organic framework (TOF-16) containing hexameric secondary building units connected by functionalized binaphthol linkers was synthesized, characterized, and irradiated to probe its radiation resistance. Radiation stability was examined using γ-rays and 5 MeV He 2+ ions to simulate α particles. γ-irradiation of TOF-16 to an unprecedented 4 MGy dose resulted in no apparent bulk structural damage visible by X-ray diffraction. To further probe radiation stability, we conducted the first He 2+ ion irradiation study of a metal–organic framework (MOF). Diffraction data indicate onset of crystallinity loss upon approximately 15 MGy of irradiation and total loss of crystallinity upon exposure to approximately 25 MGy of He 2+ ion irradiation. In conclusion, the high radiation resistance observed suggests MOFs can withstand radiation exposure at doses found in nuclear waste streams and highlights the need for a systematic approach to understand and eventually design frameworks with exceptional radiation resistance.

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37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY 77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY Ions Irradiation Metal organic frameworks Radiation Stability

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Gilson, Sara E., Fairley, Melissa, Julien, Patrick, Oliver, Allen G., Hanna, Sylvia L., Arntz, Grace, Farha, Omar K., LaVerne, Jay A., Burns, Peter C.. 2020-07-17. Unprecedented Radiation Resistant Thorium–Binaphthol Metal–Organic Framework. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.0c05272

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