Abstract:

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline porous materials with high surface areas, low densities, and tunable pore microenvironments. They have emerged as promising materials for gas storage, molecular separation, catalysis, chemical sensing, conductivity, and drug delivery. My research focuses on designing and synthesizing MOFs with tailored properties for specific applications. I leverage atomically precise functional materials as building blocks to create advanced MOFs. I also explore postsynthetic modification techniques to enhance their properties, such as ligand and metal ion exchange processes. These methods allow the creation of MOFs that cannot be obtained through other synthetic approaches. Additionally, I investigate the application of MOFs in proton conducting membranes and the tuning of their chemical properties through ligand functionalization. My research findings have implications for energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and quality of life improvement. By understanding the three-dimensional architecture of MOFs and their impact on functionality, I contribute to the advancement of MOFs as hybrid solids with improved functionalities. This expands their potential in gas storage, molecular separation, catalysis, and environmental remediation. Ultimately, my work aims to address complex challenges in chemistry and materials science by designing advanced materials for practical applications in energy storage, environmental remediation, and chemical processes.

Short Biography of the Speaker:

Dr. Unal Sen earned his BSc degree in Chemistry from Bilkent University in 2002. He pursued his MSc and PhD degrees in Materials Science and Engineering from Sabanci University and Gebze Technical University, respectively, completing them in 2004 and 2010. In 2015, he furthered his academic pursuits by obtaining a second PhD degree in Engineering from Tohoku University. From 2012 to 2013, Dr. Sen conducted postdoctoral studies at Northwestern University. Dr. Sen is currently a faculty member at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Eskisehir Technical University. His research interests span a wide range of areas, with a primary focus on designing and synthesizing MOFs, nanoporous materials, MOF-derived carbon-based materials, and MOF-polymer hybrid materials for applications in advanced ceramics, energy storage and conversion, CO₂ capture, gas storage and separation, and environmental remediation. Dr. Sen’s contributions to the scientific community extend beyond his research accomplishments. He actively seeks research funding by authoring and co-authoring research project proposals for both national and international funding agencies. He was honored with the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science RONPAKU Fellowship for his outstanding achievements.