Iron-based metal-organic frameworks for selective organic molecule adsorption
Iron-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for selective removal of organic molecules containing nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur functional groups. Leveraging high metal loadings, open metal sites, and ultra-small pore windows, these materials enable precise size- and chemistry-based separations in liquid-phase applications including food and beverage processing.
Overview
Iron-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer a highly selective platform for adsorbing and separating organic molecules that carry nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur functional groups. Developed by framergy under the AYRSORB™ product line, these materials combine high metal loadings, open metal coordination sites, and ultra-small pore windows to capture target species while excluding larger molecules through size selectivity. This dual mechanism of functional group affinity and molecular sieving enables efficient removal of specific organic contaminants from complex mixtures, including applications in food and beverage processing such as coconut water purification.
Technical specifications
- High metal loading: Iron content well over 20%, providing a large number of open metal coordination sites for interaction with target molecules.
- Ultra-high surface area: Greater than 1,500 m²/g, maximizing adsorption capacity per unit mass.
- Size-selective pore windows: Pores smaller than 1 nm allow small molecules to enter while excluding larger species.
- Functional group selectivity: Demonstrated affinity for molecules with oxygen- or sulfur-based functional groups, including CO₂, H₂S, acetone, and benzothiazoles.
- Aqueous stability: Adsorption performance for dye molecules maintained in the presence of water, confirming suitability for liquid-phase applications.
- Scalable formats: Materials can be shaped into composites, filters, and sponges for industrial deployment.
- Product variants: AYRSORB™ F250 and F100 grades available for testing and application development.
Technology readiness level
Gas-phase validation has been completed, demonstrating high affinity for functional-group-containing molecules and size exclusion of larger hydrocarbons. Liquid-phase separation studies have confirmed that adsorption performance is retained in aqueous environments. The next phase involves equilibrium adsorption isotherm measurements and column breakthrough testing using chemical species representative of target functional groups at low concentrations (1–5%) in water. This work will identify the optimal MOF grade and validate separation performance for specific industrial use cases, positioning the technology for pilot-scale demonstration and commercial partnership.
About framergy, Inc.
Framergy, Inc. is a developer and manufacturer of advanced coordination polymers, specifically metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and porous organic polymers (POPs), which function as precise molecule traps. The company utilizes a rational design approach to create materials with ultra-high surface areas and permanent porosity, enabling them to mimic natural nano-level material construction. These materials are engineered to exhibit high selectivity, thermal stability, and resistance to harsh environmental conditions, including varying pH levels. Framergy's proprietary AYRSORB line of adsorbents and catalysts is designed for scalability and industrial application, allowing the materials to be shaped into various forms such as composites, filters, and sponges.
These technologies provide critical solutions for industries requiring gas separation, storage, and environmental remediation. By offering alternatives to traditional activated carbons and zeolites, Framergy enables customers to improve the efficiency of energy storage, oil and gas processing, and the removal of harmful contaminants from air and water supplies, such as PFAS. The company partners with industry and academic institutions to apply its materials toward clean energy goals, pollution abatement, and industrial chemical production. Supported by intellectual property and federal research grants, Framergy focuses on delivering reliable, high-volume adsorbent solutions that address resource scarcity and support environmental safety.
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