Functional Framework Materials: Design and Characterisation Team

Eric McInnes: We used Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy (EPR) to study processes involving radicals in the MOF materials. NO2 is a free radical, so we could follow its binding, mobility, and reactivity in the MOFs by EPR.

Yujie Ma: I was involved in the development of efficient reduction of NO2 over atomically dispersed copper sites on UiO-66 at room temperature.

Yongqiang Cheng: I was responsible for modelling, analyzing, and interpreting the inelastic neutron scattering data, which reveals the vibrational dynamics of the guest molecules and the host materials.

Xiangdi Zeng: I was primarily focused on the experimental aspects of the photocatalysis involving experiments for the photooxidation of methane to methanol and analysing the catalysis results.

Daniel Lee: I contributed through atomic-scale characterisation of structures and host-guest interactions using solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

Weiyao Li: I characterized various novel metal-organic framework materials, I was responsible for the planning, coordination and execution of various synchrotron neutron experiments carried out at ISIS.

Ivan da Silva: I analysed diverse powder diffraction datasets obtained from experiments conducted at X-ray synchrotron or neutron large-scale facilities. These datasets allowed identification of absorption sites within materials.

Pascal Manuel: I developed the powder neutron diffraction (PND) instrument and the methodology for the measurements.

Mark Frogley: I set up the in situ infrared microspectroscopy experiments at Diamond Light Source and was part of the team collecting and interpreting the data. I managed a project to develop novel sample environments compatible with aggressive gases as well as gas handling systems ensuring a high level of safety during the experiments.

Yujie Ma: The design and synthesis of sufficiently stable but active porous materials and the elucidation of their exact binding of substrates applied to the separation of fuels, hydrocarbons, and pollutants.

Jiangnan Li: The biggest challenges in this project involve developing materials that can withstand the corrosive properties of NO2 and SO2 and ensuring equipment design and maintenance procedures effectively mitigate the risk of material degradation.

Mark Frogley: Developing instruments and protocols to maximise the number, quality and range of experiments that can be performed in synchrotron visits (typically 4–6 days per six months). In early experiments, we were limited to a handful of samples and a few gases per experiment. Now, we routinely measure over 30 materials in around 70 experiments per visit with up to 9 gases, including highly aggressive ones like NO2.

Bing An: Team members across many countries brought different strengths to the research in deep cooperation and collaboration across synthesis, characterisation, spectroscopy, diffraction and scattering, data analysis, modelling and mentorship.

Timmy Ramirez-Cuesta: By looking at the dynamics of porous materials with and without substrates and by using advanced computational modelling, it is possible to determine how and why these materials perform in the way that they do.

Xiangdi Zeng: This work is important because it addresses a critical need to find sustainable and efficient ways to utilize and convert methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into more valuable chemicals like methanol, a 'holy grail' reaction in C1 chemistry.

Xue Han: By gaining deeper understanding of how these advanced porous materials function, we can make better sorbents for substrates, more active catalysts for various important chemical reactions, and develop commercially viable systems.

Sarayute Chansai: This work will pave the way to better understanding and development of advanced functional materials and the chemical sciences, which can lead to scale-up and real-world applications and processes.

Ivan da Silva: In the years to come, our focus will shift toward scaling up the synthesis of these functional materials. This may involve exploring greener and more efficient synthesis routes. We aim to advance characterization techniques to enable in operando experiments under conditions that closely mimic real-world scenarios.

Pascal Manuel: The array of advanced characterization techniques we have put together to study these materials will be key as we move from in situ to more inoperando experimental conditions.

Zi Wang: Our team is always motivated by the excitement of exploring novel systems and materials. The opportunity to employ diverse techniques and methods of characterization in our research brings us together. This shared passion for discovery is what truly inspires us.

Yongqiang Cheng: Understanding how functional materials work at the atomic and molecular levels is the foundation of materials science. This motivates our research at the Spallation Neutron Source, which uses advanced neutron scattering and computer modelling to unravel the chemical processes and mechanisms inside porous materials.

Timmy Ramirez-Cuesta: Advances in science require collaboration. By forming a multidisciplinary team with diverse and complementary skills, it is possible to create a better and deeper understanding of materials and processes. The whole team is so much more than the sum of the individual contributions.

Daniel Lee: Collaboration brings together individual expertise where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Pascal Manuel: We have used an array of various experimental techniques coupled with computational tools to push the limits of our understanding of these materials. This required many experts in their own field to pull together.

Mark Frogley: Working in a large collaboration has enabled a comprehensive understanding of these novel materials, which have been synthesized and characterized by multiple complementary techniques by highly expert colleagues. This approach provides a very robust understanding and gives so much extra insight into the chemistry of these materials.

Zi Wang: To me, a good research culture is characterized by inclusivity, openness, and respect among all team members, regardless of their level of experience. Also, passion for continuous improvement and learning is essential, where every challenge can be considered as an opportunity to grow and innovate.

Xiangdi Zeng: A good research culture to me is one that supports curiosity, clear communication, team collaboration, and helps everyone grow professionally. It's about being ethical, safe, and understanding the wider importance of the research.

Daniel Lee: A good research culture is honest and open. This facilitates information exchange, speeding up progress, and helps others avoid mistakes that may have already been made.

Mark Frogley: Sharing as much information as possible, welcoming expert collaborators to help solve challenging problems, and giving everyone in the team an opportunity to discuss and contribute to all aspects of the work. That way, we all learn together.

Yujie Ma: Chemical sciences can promote the development of advanced technologies to mitigate environmental pollutants, produce fuels in a sustainable way, and make the world a better place to live.

Alena Sheveleva: Materials science and chemistry are at the vanguard of addressing the myriad challenges that humanity must surmount for its sustainable existence. The pursuit of new novel materials for green catalysis and the adsorption and conversion of toxic gases is a top priority in our quest to improve the world.

Eric McInnes: Go for it. If you are interested in what you are doing, then it is a very rewarding career.

Jiangnan Li: Explore different areas of chemistry to find your passion, and seek hands-on experience through internships and research projects to build practical skills and knowledge. Prioritize safety and ethical conduct in your work while staying resilient and open to continuous learning and adaptation.

Ivan da Silva: Researchers need to acquire foundational understanding of as many characterization techniques as possible. Familiarize themselves with the basics and grasp the valuable insights each technique can provide about their materials. By working together as a team you can gather all the necessary information without being an expert in every technique or facet of the work.

Mark Frogley: The world needs inquisitive people like you! With the skills that education or working in chemistry can give, you can make a real difference, and there are so many different areas where a good chemist can contribute.