Language: The lecture will be in English.

Abstract

Robust and scalable deposition technologies are key to unlocking the potential of microporous materials in surface chemistry innovation at the nanoscale. The transition towards processing at such dimensions has led to the development of high-performance materials to meet growingly demanding commercial specifications in the energy sector, climate technologies, food science, and cross-disciplines. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a subclass of porous solids comprised of metal-containing nodes connected by polytopic organic linkers, have been gaining attention in the materials science arena. With many interesting attributes such as high specific surface areas, periodicity, and chemical diversity, MOFs have earned their place in the research and development roadmaps of gas storage and transport, catalysis, molecular separations, and, recently, in electronic devices. MOF thin film fabrication techniques compatible with production facilities are a prerequisite to integrating these materials into electronic devices. In this work, the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and molecular layer deposition (MLD) processes are employed to grow MOF layers entirely from the vapor phase. The spatial uniformity, coating quality, and precise thickness and composition control are key attributes of CVD and MLD, and are a cornerstone to segments requiring cutting-edge innovation in surface chemistry. This presentation tackles the lab-to-fab approach: from mechanistic insights using a range of techniques to process development, optimization, and scale-up. Through the lab-to-fab transition, this work contributes to fully exploiting the colossal potential of MOFs in applications that transcend traditional subject boundaries.

Speaker: Dr. Alexander (Alex) Cruz

Alex is an internationally acclaimed scientist and technology leader with experience spanning across industrial chemicals operations and management, corporate R&D on climate technologies, and materials science innovation. He received various recognitions, such as the IUPAC-Solvay Prize for Young Scientist, Emerging Investigator Award (American Chemical Society), John C. Chen Leadership Award (American Institute of Chemical Engineers), Wilhelm Ostwald Prize (German Chemical Society), and Louis Melsens Prize (Royal Academy of Sciences, Letters and Fine Arts of Belgium). Alex holds a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from KU Leuven and doctor of engineering sciences from the Free University of Brussels, where he pioneered the cleanroom-compatible formulation protocol for the chemical vapor deposition and molecular layer deposition of metal-organic framework thin films for a myriad of integrated applications such as gas sensors, functional coatings, and energy storage. Passionate about youth engagement and STEM education, Alex champions equitable access to knowledge through effective science communication and embraces a healthy disregard for traditional subject boundaries.

Practical

This lecture is organised in collaboration with Chemika.

Doors open at 19:00, and the event starts at 19:30.

Location: KU Leuven, Campus Arenberg, building and room TBD

Members of KVCV are admitted for free, Chemika members pay €3 and others pay €5.

After the lecture, you are invited to a reception.

Registration is mandatory. Register here.