Library · Materials, chemistry & fabrication
What Porous Materials & MOFs got wrong, from 33 theses
Summary written by a model from the records below: The records evaluate porous materials and metal-organic frameworks across gas capture, water harvesting, environmental remediation, and electrochemical storage applications. Many investigations reported material degradation under operational environments, pore constriction following modification, and performance trailing commercial or benchmark sorbents. These records come from graduate theses, 2021 to 2026, each labeled with its degree where the repository states it, and each links to its thesis. They were extracted by language models reading the full text, so treat each as a lead to read, not a verdict.
Plus 9 problems the authors left open, listed at the end.
Failure modes, by theses reporting them
Select a mode to jump to its records.
Framework collapse and porosity loss under humid, acidic, or thermal conditions
Porous frameworks collapsed and suffered severe loss of surface area and crystallinity when exposed to water vapor, moisture cycling, or acidic gases like sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Thermal activation degassing and excessive linker flexibility similarly triggered structural collapse, transforming crystalline frameworks into non-porous or degraded phases.
Tried and failed
gas capture using metal-organic frameworks applied to hydrogen sulfide adsorption. Outcome: unstable. Reason: framework degradation and loss of porosity occurred due to metal sulfide formation
CONTROLLING TOXIC GAS CAPTURE AND DELIVERY IN METAL–ORGANIC FRAMEWORKS: FROM CHLORINE TO HYDROGEN SULFIDE · Cornell · PhD
Tried and failed
thermal activation degassing applied to metal-organic framework gas sorption. Outcome: unstable. Reason: the porous framework collapsed upon heating during the degassing process
Silicon-based hexacarboxylic acids and their application in metal-organic frameworks · Imperial · PhD
Tried and failed
post-synthetic metal coordination of functionalized porous frameworks applied to acidic gas adsorption. Outcome: unstable. Reason: Metal coordination weakened framework stability, leading to structural collapse upon sulfur dioxide exposure.
Metal-Organic Framework Structure-Property Relationships for Selective Sulfur Dioxide Adsorption · Georgia Tech · PhD
Tried and failed
ligand functionalization with nitrogen heterocycles applied to metal-organic framework gas adsorption. Outcome: unstable. Reason: exposure to acidic gas caused framework collapse, severe loss of crystallinity, and porosity degradation
Tuning metal-organic frameworks for flue gas desulfurization · Georgia Tech · PhD
Tried and failed
post-synthetic hydroxide exchange applied to metal-organic frameworks for water sorption. Outcome: unstable. Reason: framework lost structural stability upon repeated water adsorption and desorption cycles
Tailoring Metal–Organic Frameworks for Water Harvesting · MIT · PhD
Tried and failed
rapid thermal dehydration in humid atmosphere applied to metal-organic frameworks for adsorption. Outcome: unstable. Reason: framework collapsed forming metal oxide domains within minutes instead of generating coordinatively unsaturated sites
Tried and failed
solvothermal synthesis using dimethylformamide solvent applied to porous coordination frameworks. Outcome: unstable. Reason: residual solvent or defective coordination caused rapid hydrolytic degradation and structural collapse during water cycling
Tailoring Metal–Organic Frameworks for Water Harvesting · MIT · PhD
Tried and failed
water vapor adsorption beyond isotherm threshold applied to microporous coordination framework adsorbent. Outcome: unstable. Reason: moisture exposure caused irreversible structural collapse, severely reducing surface area and pore volume
Tried and failed
zinc-based metal-organic frameworks for cyclic adsorption applied to atmospheric water harvesting. Outcome: unstable. Reason: poor hydrolytic stability causing rapid loss of sorption capacity and surface area upon water cycling
Tailoring Metal–Organic Frameworks for Water Harvesting · MIT · PhD
Tried and failed
direct air capture using fluorinated MOFs applied to low-concentration CO2 adsorption in humid air. Outcome: unstable. Reason: extended exposure to humidity and ambient conditions causes severe loss of porosity and CO2 uptake capacity
Tried and failed
incorporating flexible heterocyclic linkers in metal-organic frameworks applied to porous coordination framework synthesis. Outcome: unstable. Reason: framework collapsed and buckled upon activation due to excessive ligand flexibility, resulting in loss of porosity
Development of metal-organic frameworks based on N-heterocyclic ligands · EPFL · PhD
Adsorption capacity inferior to commercial activated carbons and benchmark frameworks
Synthesized porous carbons, biochars, and metal-organic frameworks failed to match the pollutant and gas capture capacities of commercial activated carbons and established frameworks like Mg-MOF-74. Impregnated catalysts and specialized adsorbents exhibited lower surface areas, conversions, and efficiencies than their respective conventional baselines.
Lost to a baseline
Mesoporous carbon spheres synthesized by Chen et al. (2021) achieved 3.22 mmol/g CO2 capture capacity at 75 °C and 0.05 bar, outperforming MC2-800-1-60 (2.95 mmol/g at 0.15 bar).
Development of Three-Dimensional Mesoporous Biocarbon Materials for Energy-Related Applications · Nottingham · PhD
Lost to a baseline
Carboxylic CNT/CoFe2O4 composite achieved 250 mg/g SMX adsorption capacity, outperforming this work.
ADSORPTION OF PHARMACEUTICALS FROM CONTAMINATED WATER BY ADSORBENTS DEVELOPED FROM REED CANARY GRASS · Saskatchewan · PhD
Lost to a baseline
PEI-modified mesoporous carbon spheres (MCSs) by Wang et al. (2016) achieved 3.71 mmol/g CO2 capture capacity at 75 °C and 15% CO2, higher than MC2-800-1-60 (2.95 mmol/g).
Development of Three-Dimensional Mesoporous Biocarbon Materials for Energy-Related Applications · Nottingham · PhD
Lost to a baseline
Activated carbon prepared from coal baseline achieved a higher maximum SMX adsorption capacity (264.4 mg/g) than this work's renewable adsorbent (147.9–161.3 mg/g).
ADSORPTION OF PHARMACEUTICALS FROM CONTAMINATED WATER BY ADSORBENTS DEVELOPED FROM REED CANARY GRASS · Saskatchewan · PhD
Lost to a baseline
Commercial activated carbon (AC) achieved 94% PFOA adsorption efficiency, outperforming PBC (92%) and ZnBC (84%) under identical batch conditions (200 µg/L PFOA, 10 h, 25 °C)
REMOVAL OF PERFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFAS) FROM WATER USING MODIFIED BIOCHAR ADSORBENTS PRODUCED FROM CANOLA STRAW · Saskatchewan · Master's
Lost to a baseline
F300 commercial activated carbon achieved higher maximum Langmuir PFOS adsorption capacity (55.7 mg/g) than SCGKOH biochar (43.4 mg/g)
Development of Novel Biochar-Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Composites for Targeted Adsorption of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Water Treatment Applications · University of Washington · PhD
Lost to a baseline
Zn-EDTA MOF CO2 adsorption capacity (164.58 ml/g) was beaten by Mg-MOF-74 (593.0 ml/g)
تحضير جسيمات أكسيد الزنك النانونية وهياكل عضوية معدنية لتقليل الانبعاثات الكربونية ومعالجة المياه · University of El Oued · Doctorate
Lost to a baseline
Polyurethane sponge-supported graphene oxide-titanium phosphate achieved 228.1 mg/g and phosphorus-functionalized nanoporous carbon achieved 347.0 mg/g Dy3+ adsorption capacity, beating PCs/MB (34.0 mg/g).
Development of a novel and green Mannich reaction-modified chitosan hydrogel for dysprosium(III) recovery · Iowa State · PhD
Lost to a baseline
Fe3O4-FITC-resin MB adsorption capacity (150 mg g-1) was lower than covalent organic frameworks (~300 mg g-1), reduced graphene oxide (~200 mg g-1), and metal-organic frameworks (~180 mg g-1).
Scalable Synthesis of Nanomaterials in Continuous-Flow Reactors · Georgia Tech · PhD
Lost to a baseline
At 250 °C for 1 h with 1 wt.% ethanol, impregnated 2 wt.% Ru/CeO2 showed ~20% lower H2 productivity than commercial 5 wt.% Ru/Al2O3 (443 vs. 554 mmol H2/gRu) and lower ethanol conversion (1.3 vs. 1.7 mol/gRu) primarily due to ~21% lower surface area and microporous structure.
Valorisation of biomass-derived wastewaters via aqueous phase reforming for energy recovery: a multi-level performance assessment · Politecnico di Torino · PhD
Functionalization and pore narrowing causing steric blockage and mass transport restrictions
Chemical functionalization, post-synthetic metalation, and extraframework counterions obstructed pore apertures and reduced available pore volume and surface area. In addition, mechanical processing and restricted diffusion within narrow pores created significant mass transfer resistances that hindered gas uptake and catalytic selectivity.
Tried and failed
Post-synthetic metalation of functionalised porous frameworks applied to gas adsorption selectivity. Outcome: worse than baseline. Reason: Metal coordination reduced available adsorption sites and pore volume compared to unmetalated framework
Metal-Organic Framework Structure-Property Relationships for Selective Sulfur Dioxide Adsorption · Georgia Tech · PhD
Tried and failed
amine functionalization for low-concentration gas capture applied to porous materials for direct air capture. Outcome: worse than baseline. Reason: most amine-functionalized candidates failed performance screening criteria despite standard expectations for carbon dioxide capture
Accurate Predictions of the Adsorption Space and Efficient Sorbent Discovery in Metal-Organic Frameworks · Georgia Tech · PhD
Lost to a baseline
Non-functionalized activated carbon outperformed G2CO3-impregnated AC (10p, 15p, 20p) in pure CO2 adsorption at pressures above 45 kPa (5.044 mmol/g for AC vs 3.699-4.607 mmol/g).
Evaluating the Effect of Composition, Structure and Functionality on Atmospheric CO2 Adsorption in Porous Solid Sorbents · Virginia Tech · Doctorate
Lost to a baseline
Neat MIL-101-Cr-4 and MIL-101-Cr-10 outperformed their EN-functionalized counterparts in pure CO2 adsorption (7.09 vs 6.1 mmol/g and 7.35 vs 1.65 mmol/g).
Evaluating the Effect of Composition, Structure and Functionality on Atmospheric CO2 Adsorption in Porous Solid Sorbents · Virginia Tech · Doctorate
Tried and failed
ball-milling precursor mixture for porous film fabrication applied to fuel cell cathode catalyst layers. Outcome: worse than baseline. Reason: loss of macroporous structure during processing led to significantly reduced mass activity
Engineering the cathode catalyst layer architecture for fuel cells · Imperial · PhD
Tried and failed
gas-phase halogenation of porous framework linkers applied to small-pore metal-organic frameworks. Reason: small pore apertures restricted mass transport, causing pore blockage, incomplete reaction, and framework degradation
CONTROLLING TOXIC GAS CAPTURE AND DELIVERY IN METAL–ORGANIC FRAMEWORKS: FROM CHLORINE TO HYDROGEN SULFIDE · Cornell · PhD
Lost to a baseline
Cu-Mg-Al MMO-11 exhibited slower oxygen release and re-oxidation rates than the more porous Cu-Mg-Al MMO-9.5 due to higher intraparticle mass transfer resistances
Layered double hydroxide-derived oxygen carriers for chemical looping processes · Imperial · PhD
Tried and failed
amine functionalization of organic linkers applied to low-pressure hydrogen adsorption in metal-organic frameworks. Outcome: worse than baseline. Reason: functional groups reduced pore volume and surface area without introducing sufficiently strong binding sites for hydrogen
Mixture Adsorption in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Biogas and Light Hydrocarbon Separation · Georgia Tech · PhD
Post-synthetic metalation defects, unintended phases, and uncontrolled release
High-temperature metalation and synthetic condition changes caused metal nanoparticle aggregation, undesired crystal phase formation, and framework node exchange. Surface functionalization and coatings also led to particle agglomeration, uncontrolled burst release, or rapid clearance that failed to sustain delivery.
Tried and failed
porous metal-organic framework gas adsorption delivery applied to carbon monoxide gas delivery. Reason: framework was unsuitable as a delivery vessel for the target gas
HANDLING FLUORINATED GASES AS SOLID REAGENTS USING METAL–ORGANIC FRAMEWORKS TO ENABLE FLUOROVINYLATION AND FLUOROLAKYLATION REACTIONS · Cornell · PhD
Tried and failed
polysaccharide surface coating for controlled release applied to mesoporous inorganic nanoparticles. Outcome: unstable. Reason: coating induced nanoparticle agglomeration and triggered non-selective burst release of loaded ions
Inorganic nanoparticles for cancer therapy · Imperial · PhD
Tried and failed
surface modification for sustained drug release applied to mesoporous biomaterial vaccine delivery systems. Outcome: did not generalise. Reason: in vitro release kinetics failed to predict in vivo rapid clearance indistinguishable from unmodified controls
Developing strategies to enhance immune responses induced by mesoporous silica rod vaccines · Harvard · PhD
Tried and failed
Post-synthetic metalation of Lewis-basic porous frameworks applied to phosphine-functionalized metal-organic frameworks. Outcome: unstable. Reason: Crystal degradation, desolvation, and unintended metal exchange at structural nodes prevented structural characterization.
Phosphine and arsine metal-organic frameworks for the heterogenization of 4d and 5d transition metal complexes · UT Austin · PhD
Tried and failed
increasing base concentration and antisolvent ratio in synthesis applied to continuous flow metal-organic framework synthesis. Reason: favored formation of an undesired crystalline phase with poor gas adsorption capacity
Magnetic framework composites for CO2 capture · Nottingham · PhD
Tried and failed
High-temperature direct metallation of porous frameworks applied to metal-organic framework single-site metal loading. Outcome: unstable. Reason: Excess thermal energy caused precursor reduction and unwanted metal nanoparticle aggregation instead of single-site coordination
Supporting Well-Defined Platinum Group Metals in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Heterogeneous Catalysis · MIT · PhD
Tried and failed
incorporating hydrophilic functional groups into porous frameworks applied to metal-organic framework water sorption. Outcome: worse than baseline. Reason: more hydrophilic substituents failed to lower the condensation relative humidity threshold compared to larger halides
Sorption-based atmospheric water harvesting: from atoms to applications · MIT · PhD
Rejection of synthesis routes and sorbents due to operational and hazard constraints
Hard templating, solid adsorption processes, and specific sorbent materials were rejected because of low yields, hazardous etching reagents, and premature dissolution upon liquid contact. Sorbents were also discarded when low gas selectivity, thin coatings, or loss of adsorption capacity at operating temperatures made them unviable.
Considered and rejected
Considered and rejected: Rejected using porous plates with CO2 flush in permeameter because CO2 dissolved upon contact with saturated porous plates; substituted with metal mesh and geotextile.
Analysis of unsaturated hydraulic properties for low impact developments and their performance under changing climate · York University · Master's
Considered and rejected
Considered and rejected: Rejected GeO2 and GeO2-ZnO-SiO2 mesoporous nanoparticle templates due to poor dissolution, lack of selective cancer cytotoxicity, and unwanted toxicity to normal breast cells.
Inorganic nanoparticles for cancer therapy · Imperial · PhD
Considered and rejected
Considered and rejected: Rejected layer-by-layer growth on porous magnetic microspheres for bulk adsorption due to low MOF loading (10-11 wt.%) and thin coatings
Magnetic framework composites for CO2 capture · Nottingham · PhD
Considered and rejected
Considered and rejected: Rejected hard-template mesoporous synthesis due to low yields and requirement of hazardous etching reagents (NaOH, HF).
Scalable Synthesis of Nanomaterials in Continuous-Flow Reactors · Georgia Tech · PhD
Electrochemical degradation and capacity loss during dynamic cycling
Porous carbon electrodes and functionalized sorbents suffered from structural degradation, active material dissolution, and rapid capacity decline during continuous cycling. High active mass loadings and mechanical deformation caused contact loss, elevated electrical resistance, and lower capacitance than alternative carbon baselines.
Tried and failed
post-synthetic amine functionalization for cyclic gas adsorption applied to metal-organic frameworks in dynamic breakthrough. Outcome: unstable. Reason: significant loss of adsorption capacity over repeated adsorption-desorption cycling compared to carbon and zeolites
Influence Of Water Vapor on the Adsorption of Exhaled Breath-Borne VOC Biomarkers for COVID-19 · Georgia Tech · PhD
Tried and failed
prolonged electrodeposition of metal oxide applied to porous carbon supercapacitor electrodes. Outcome: worse than baseline. Reason: excessive active material loading increased electrical resistance, reducing specific capacitance at high scan rates
Electrochemical studies of the applications of novel carbon-based materials · Oxford · PhD
Tried and failed
block copolymer electrospun porous carbon fibers applied to flexible supercapacitor electrodes. Outcome: unstable. Reason: severe mechanical deformation caused structural degradation and contact loss in gel electrolyte
Block Copolymer Derived Porous Carbon Fiber for Energy and Environmental Science · Virginia Tech · Doctorate
Tried and failed
high mass loading of electrodeposited metal oxide applied to porous carbon supercapacitor electrodes. Outcome: unstable. Reason: active material dissolution and structural degradation during cycling
Electrochemical studies of the applications of novel carbon-based materials · Oxford · PhD
Lost to a baseline
Low-frequency capacitance of LIG potassium ISEs (~48-51 µF in water) was substantially lower than colloid-imprinted mesoporous (CIM) carbon contacts and carbon black nanocomposites (<1 µV/h drift).
Development and characterization of ion-selective electrodes based on laser-induced graphene for food safety and precision agriculture · Iowa State · PhD
Left open by the authors
Problems the authors named and did not get to.
Left open
Test higher activation temperatures on N-doped mesoporous carbons to restore CO2 adsorption capacity after moist flue gas exposure. Blocker: Requires a materials synthesis and gas adsorption wet lab to treat materials and measure adsorption capacities.
Versatile, direct nanocasting strategy to N-rich ordered mesoporous carbons for selective post-combustion CO2 capture and energy storage · Politecnico di Torino · PhD
Left open
Determine optimal desorption methods and measure the cycle life limits for VOC-loaded functionalized MOF and activated carbon adsorbent capsules. Blocker: Requires physical synthesis of MOFs, adsorption capsules, dynamic breakthrough gas chromatography apparatus, and wet lab facilities
Influence Of Water Vapor on the Adsorption of Exhaled Breath-Borne VOC Biomarkers for COVID-19 · Georgia Tech · PhD
Left open
Optimize the layering of functionalized MOF and activated carbon adsorbent beds for multicomponent dynamic breakthrough adsorption of breath-borne VOCs. Blocker: Requires experimental synthesis of functionalized MOFs and dynamic breakthrough gas chromatography testing apparatus under humid conditions.
Influence Of Water Vapor on the Adsorption of Exhaled Breath-Borne VOC Biomarkers for COVID-19 · Georgia Tech · PhD
Left open
Modify Zn-EDTA MOF structure and increase adsorbent dosage to evaluate and optimize CO2 capture efficiency and saturation limits. Blocker: Requires wet lab chemical synthesis and physical gas adsorption testing apparatus
تحضير جسيمات أكسيد الزنك النانونية وهياكل عضوية معدنية لتقليل الانبعاثات الكربونية ومعالجة المياه · University of El Oued · Doctorate
Left open
Screen alternative MOF materials using the CO2 mass transfer and adsorption model to identify candidates with higher capacity or lower cost. Blocker: None
CARBON DIOXIDE ADSORPTION ON MOFS-COATED WIND TURBINE BLADES: MODELING AND FACTORS INFLUENCING ADSORPTION RATE · Johns Hopkins · Master's
Left open
Synthesize and evaluate activated carbon-supported controls with various anions and guanidinium-carboxylic acid networks for CO2 adsorption. Blocker: Requires chemical synthesis lab and experimental breakthrough column testing apparatus.
Evaluating the Effect of Composition, Structure and Functionality on Atmospheric CO2 Adsorption in Porous Solid Sorbents · Virginia Tech · Doctorate
Left open
Evaluate dynamic breakthrough adsorption behavior of low-concentration (<= 10 ppm) VOC biomarkers on functionalized MOFs and activated carbons. Blocker: Requires wet lab synthesis of functionalized MOFs and dynamic breakthrough gas chromatography testing apparatus.
Influence Of Water Vapor on the Adsorption of Exhaled Breath-Borne VOC Biomarkers for COVID-19 · Georgia Tech · PhD
Left open
Measure dynamic CO2 adsorption capacity on MIL-101(Cr) before and after saturation exposure to SO2/NO2 across various partial pressures. Blocker: Requires a wet chemistry laboratory, physical MOF synthesis/activation, and gas breakthrough measurement apparatus.
Stability and Adsorption Properties of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Acid Gases · Georgia Tech · PhD
Left open
Systematically evaluate sustainable activated carbon sourcing and test reactivated granular activated carbon as a powdered activated carbon compound in wastewater treatment. Blocker: Requires wet lab facilities, raw carbon material sourcing, and wastewater adsorption experimental setups
Who has worked on this
Authors of the public theses cited on this page, most-cited first.
- Ojuolape Olawunmi Oghenetega · Georgia Tech · PhD · 2024
Influence Of Water Vapor on the Adsorption of Exhaled Breath-Borne VOC Biomarkers for COVID-19 - Xakin Mariana Ramirez Isunza · Virginia Tech · Doctorate · 2025
Evaluating the Effect of Composition, Structure and Functionality on Atmospheric CO2 Adsorption in Porous Solid Sorbents - Julius Jacob Oppenheim · MIT · PhD · 2024
Tailoring Metal–Organic Frameworks for Water Harvesting - Jianlong He · Georgia Tech · PhD · 2026
Scalable Synthesis of Nanomaterials in Continuous-Flow Reactors - Tania Gabrielle Evans · Georgia Tech · PhD · 2025
Metal-Organic Framework Structure-Property Relationships for Selective Sulfur Dioxide Adsorption - Ruth Mandel · Cornell · PhD · 2024
CONTROLLING TOXIC GAS CAPTURE AND DELIVERY IN METAL–ORGANIC FRAMEWORKS: FROM CHLORINE TO HYDROGEN SULFIDE - May-Yin Low · Imperial · PhD · 2024
Addressing the data gap in adsorption materials for direct air capture - an investigation of physicochemical, equilibrium sorption, and kinetic sorption properties - Taneisha McFarlane · Imperial · PhD · 2024
Inorganic nanoparticles for cancer therapy - عون عبد الرزاق · University of El Oued · Doctorate · 2024
تحضير جسيمات أكسيد الزنك النانونية وهياكل عضوية معدنية لتقليل الانبعاثات الكربونية ومعالجة المياه - John Luke Woodliffe · Nottingham · PhD · 2024
Magnetic framework composites for CO2 capture - Suleiman Sani · Nottingham · PhD · 2023
Development of Three-Dimensional Mesoporous Biocarbon Materials for Energy-Related Applications - Mohammad Amin Zamiri · Saskatchewan · PhD · 2023
ADSORPTION OF PHARMACEUTICALS FROM CONTAMINATED WATER BY ADSORBENTS DEVELOPED FROM REED CANARY GRASS
Checking a claim in this area?
We can run the same search on any method or claim. If nothing turns up, we will say so, and that proves nothing on its own.