SO2 capture enhancement in NU-1000 by the incorporation of a ruthenium gallate organometallic complex

Abstract

The new material [RuGa]@NU-1000 incorporates Ru and Ga in 1.2 and 1.8 wt% respectively (molar ratio 1 : 2). It stems from the grafting of the heterobimetallic ruthenium gallate complex, [MeRu(η⁶-C₆H₆)(PPh₃)₂][GaMe₂Cl₂] into the MOF material NU-1000. [RuGa]@NU-1000 shows enhanced adsorption of SO₂, specially at low pressures (10⁻³ bar) even when compared with other materials employing more expensive precious metals. Additionally, [RuGa]@NU-1000 samples need not be exposed to such harsh conditions for reactivation as they retain their adsorption properties after several cycles and preserve their porosity and structure. Thus, [RuGa]@NU-1000 is an excellent, selective material suitable for detection and precise quantification of SO₂, with a lower cost compared to other MOFs incorporating precious metals.