The porosity of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) can be tuned to selectively absorb specific chemical compounds within their pores. This makes them highly effective for various applications, such as gas storage, filtration, and chemical sensing. By utilizing selective absorption, MOFs can act as sensors, as the absorption process induces slight structural deformations.
MicroWire technology can detect miniscule changes in MOF shape, enabling precise identification of specific chemicals in the environment. This approach allows for the monitoring of various gases, vapors or pollutants, making it valuable for industrial safety, environmental monitoring and other similar applications.
MOFs' properties, such as porosity, are determined by their chemical composition, with pore sizes typically in the nanometer range. They can be described as nanoscale sponges, although they commonly exist in powder form. To utilize their functionality in sensing applications, MOF powder can be compressed into a rigid, pill-like structure, enabling more practical and stable integration into sensor systems.
Real-time chemical detection using MOF - MicroWire Interaction
Passive sensing of a MicroWire brings a solution for sensing dangerous chemicals, such as combustive elements. Passive sensing means no electrical wiring of a sensor itself, therefore even after a possible malfunction, no sparks will be created ensuring safety. Vast possibilities of sending the data (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cloud, …) collected by the data acquisition device enable the user the stay out from the harsh environments and monitor the MicroWire’s response from anywhere.
Micro-dimension of the MicroWire represents one of the biggest advantages in many use cases, as it can be incorporated into materials without structural damage. However, MOFs are particles smaller than MicroWire, therefore, the measurement principles differ, as the MicroWire sensor needs to be equipped with the MOF via chemical bonds. This creates an MOF-MicroWire interface, where after MOF absorbs a molecule it creates a change in the signal of the MicroWire. The magnetic signal change is picked up by the sensing device up to a few centimeters.