Shape-shifting MOF works wonders for heating and cooling across climates

A metal–organic framework (MOF) is capable of cooling and heating without external electrical inputs. Additionally, the material works well across a wide range of temperatures, which could contribute to greener thermal solutions across climates.¹

In 2022, researchers at the University of A Coruña in Spain, discovered the shape shifting properties of a particular MOF during adsorption and desorption of carbon dioxide triggered temperature changes. Now, subsequent studies on the same material have unveiled exciting new applications. ‘While previously a swinging pressure produced the effect, our new approach maintains a static pressure of carbon dioxide,’ explains lead author Juan Manuel Bermúdez-García. In this ‘reversed’ system, the external temperature triggers adsorption and desorption of carbon dioxide, making the MOF a self-regulating solution to store heat. ‘During the day, as temperature rises, carbon dioxide is desorbed, which counterintuitively cools down the MOF, and could cool down our buildings,’ says Bermúdez-García. At night, the opposite process pushes the pores to readsorb carbon dioxide, heating the house back up.