Adding organic molecule during melting enables tunable properties in glass

Researchers from four universities have developed a method to chemically modify the internal structure of metal-organic framework glasses by adding 1,10-phenanthroline during melting. This lowers the processing temperature, prevents decomposition, and allows precise tuning of magnetic and optical properties. The technique could lead to new specialized glasses for gas storage, batteries, and optical applications.

The research team combined expertise from four European universities, with Dr. Sebastian Henke of TU Dortmund leading the study. Their approach modifies MOF glasses during the liquid phase by introducing phenanthroline, which binds to metal centers and increases their coordination number, triggering a full restructuring of the glass network. The dosage of the additive controls how extensive this restructuring becomes.

This dual-function molecule serves as both a flux, reducing the melting temperature, and a chemical reactant that partially displaces existing bonds. Many MOF materials previously decomposed under extreme heat before reaching a glassy state. The lower processing temperature preserves structural integrity while enabling new magnetic and light-emitting properties that were previously unattainable.