Major discovery will allow us to capture pollutants in the air of our homes using hybrid porous solids

A team of researchers from the Laboratoire de Catalyse et Spectrochimie (LCS, Université de Caen/ENSICAEN/CNRS) and the Institut des Matériaux Poreux de Paris (CNRS/ESPCI Paris/ENS/Université PSL), in collaboration with researchers from the Université de Montpellier and the Technical University of Denmark, recently published in Nature Communications: Metal-organic frameworks based on pyrazolates for the selective and efficient capture of formaldehyde, a study on the capture of formaldehyde using new hybrid porous materials. This breakthrough paves the way for the creation of more efficient filters for indoor spaces, helping to significantly improve the quality of the air we breathe. The startup SquairTech that was born from this research is currently working on the commercialization of this technology, which promises to revolutionize air filtration systems in indoor spaces.

A breakthrough in the science of hybrid porous materials

Hybrid porous solids, better known as Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), are materials made up of small groups of metal atoms (metal clusters) connected to organic molecules, creating a sort of 3D network with tiny pores capable of capturing gases or pollutants. The interest of these materials lies in their ability to trap and store small molecules, such as carbon dioxide or, in the case of this research, formaldehyde.

The team has developed new-generation MOFs that are capable of extremely efficiently capturing formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound known for its adverse effects on human health. These materials, with ultra-small and highly specific pores, enable faster and more efficient absorption of formaldehyde compared to conventional materials.

A response to environmental and health issues

Formaldehyde is a compound widely used in household products and building materials. It is a major indoor air pollutant. Causing respiratory irritation and potentially carcinogenic effects, the effective capture of this pollutant has become a global priority. Thanks to this research, the materials developed could equip air purification devices in indoor spaces, thus reducing human exposure to this pollutant.

A sustainable process and technical innovation

In addition to their exceptional performance, these MOFs are manufactured using environmentally friendly processes. Their synthesis uses green solvents and energy-efficient methods, making them not only effective but also sustainable. This technological innovation also shows that these materials can be recycled multiple times, without losing their ability to capture formaldehyde.

Multiple applications for the future

In addition to their use in formaldehyde capture, these hybrid porous solids open the way to other applications in air purification and gas storage. The potential of these materials could be exploited in the fields of health, the chemical industry, and even in the fight against climate change by capturing greenhouse gas pollutants.

Creation of the startup SquairTech

The startup SquairTech is currently working on the commercialization of this promising technology, which could revolutionize air filtration systems in indoor spaces. Founded following a collaboration, initiated in 2018, between the company TEQOYA and researchers Marco Daturi from LCS (ENSICAEN/CNRS/Université de Caen) and Christian Serre from IMAP (ENS/PSL/CNRS), SquairTech develops cutting-edge materials, called MOFs (Metal Organic Frameworks), to effectively capture the most harmful indoor pollutants, including formaldehyde. The creation of SquairTech, of which Nicolas Sadvonik, a former doctoral student at LCS, is the CTO, was made possible thanks to the support of BPI France, Normandie Incubation and the FEDER.