A recent study published in the journal Science highlights a unique chemical reaction observed on a metal-organic framework (MOF), with significant contributions from Montana State University researchers. The work was co-authored by Nick Stadie, associate professor in MSU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and undergraduate student Peyton Summerhill.
The research focuses on a novel porous crystal developed by the Long Research Group at the University of California, Berkeley. The team found that each cobalt atom within the MOF can bind two carbon monoxide molecules simultaneously. This results in greater energy efficiency compared to individual binding events. Such cooperative interactions are common in biological systems but are rarely seen on solid surfaces.
Stadie commented on the findings: “The huge curiosity is that you can bind two gas molecules on a single metal atom on every such metal atom in the entire crystal. That’s an extremely efficient use of structure.”
He further explained that this concept could lead to advancements in sensors, molecular sieves, and materials for complex chemical detections and separations.
Summerhill joined Stadie’s lab after attending an MSU Honors College event while still a high school student. She began working with theoretical models related to gas binding and later contributed experimental validation for this project. Her collaboration with Berkeley researchers was facilitated through Stadie’s professional network.
Stadie described their contribution: “In this case, there’s a 10% penalty when two carbon monoxide molecules go on individually versus when they go on as a team. Measuring this was our new contribution.”
Reflecting on her experience, Summerhill said: “You can be failing forward instead of backward,” adding, “It’s really fun to do undergraduate research because the projects have so much potential and you can afford to just throw yourself into it and fail or succeed. I’ve fallen in love with the research.”
Summerhill plans to continue her studies in graduate school with aspirations for a research career.
