Scalable preparation of MOFs and MOF-containing hybrid materials for use in sustainable refrigeration systems for a greener environment: a comprehensive review as well as technical and statistical analysis of patents

Since the performance of adsorbents directly affects the performance of refrigeration systems, it is critical to improve the performance of these adsorbents in the design of modern devices. In this review, MOF and MOF-containing composites-based adsorbents were analyzed. The results showed that the use of composites containing MOF as hybrid materials has a high potential for use in efficient systems. The studied composites eliminated some of the shortcomings of pure MOFs. Composites improved sorption behavior, kinetics, thermal conductivity, and so on. Also, cooling system parameters showed a significant improvement over older systems (such as (I) low efficiency, II) condition of desorption, III) operation intermittent mode, and IV) low SCP and COP) when MOF composites were applied. Also, the patents were studied technically and statistically to accelerate the commercialization of MOF-based systems. The increase in the number of patents in recent years shows the importance of these modern materials. The number of MOF patents has risen sharply since 2017. Fifty-five patents have been registered in the last 20 years, of which 30 are patents from 2017 to the present (cooling systems, dryer systems, and related applications). The USA, S. Korea, China, and European Union have the most patents. AlFu, MIL-100, CAU-10, MIL-101, MOF-5, MOF-801, and UiO-66 are most applied in patents. Different methods have been used to prepare MOFs and MOF composites. Hydrothermal and solvothermal techniques are the most used in patents. Also, MOF composites are used in 50% of the patents that reported the details. According to the results, MOF composites have high potential for widespread use in commercial-scale air-conditioners and dehumidifiers.

Automated summary

This review analyzes the application of MOF and MOF-containing composites-based adsorbents in improving the performance of modern devices. The results show that composites containing MOF have the potential for improving sorption behavior, kinetics, and thermal conductivity, and demonstrate significant improvements in cooling system parameters. Patent studies also indicate the increasing importance of MOF-based systems, with a rise in the number of patents in recent years.