Leili Esrafili Dizaji postdoc researcher FWO

Research Leili Esrafili Dizaji

Research team

Expertise

With over 8 years of experience in the field of functionalized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), my expertise lies in synthesizing MOFs and exploring their applications in catalysis, sensors, and adsorption. Currently, as an FWO postdoc fellow, my study lies in the captivating domain of synthesizing hydrogen bond-donating MOFs and exploring their potential as organocatalysts. Throughout my career, I have developed skills in both organic and inorganic synthesis methods, allowing me to design MOFs with customized properties suitable for specific catalytic purposes. My knowledge extends to various characterization techniques, including crystallography, TGA, X-ray diffraction (XRD), NMR, and other tools. These techniques enable me to gain insights into the structural and functional aspects of the synthesized materials, thereby enhancing my understanding of their catalytic behavior and mechanisms. As a dedicated researcher, I am passionate about studying the role and mechanisms of organocatalysts immobilized on MOF surfaces.

Green and Sustainable Synthesis of Mesoporous Metal-Organic Frameworks to Bring New Life to Hydrogen-Bond Donating (HBD) Organocatalysts as Biomimetic Platforms. 01/11/2022 - 31/10/2025

Abstract

Most chemical reactions in the cell have high activation energies, and without enzymes, they would not occur with the required speed for biological processes. Hydrogen bond donors (HBD) as Lewis-acid-catalysts play a key role in many enzymatic reactions, both in orienting the substrate molecules and lowering barriers to reaction. Their tendency to undergo self-quenching however, decreases both solubility and reactivity. Supramolecular chemistry under the form of MOFs offers a promising biomimetic platform for immobilizing these catalytically active sites, and features defined structure and high porosity. Previous attempts have been less than successful due to limited substrate scope and small pore size, instability and complex synthesis. Here, we propose a new method with three goals: 1) pre-design large pore MOFs to lock in the desired porosity and stability, 2) extend linker size to achieve large pores by using direct arylation reactions to decrease synthetic complexity, and 3) propose several alternatives to add (combinations of, as well as chiral) HBD catalysts to the MOF framework. These materials can be used as templates for metal/carbon hybrids with unprecedented porosity. Finally, all materials will be tested for catalytic activity. This modular and concerted synthetic approach towards heterogeneous (organo)catalysts will re-start a direction of research in which the spectacular advantages offered by addressing the main issue with existing HBD catalysts are obvious.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

  • Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project