Researchers from the Korea Institute of Materials Science and Technology and universities have achieved research results that reorganize the internal defect structure of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and improve carbon dioxide adsorption performance using laser post-processing technology. It presented the possibility of process simplification and cost reduction by controlling the pore structure without chemical processes.

The Korea Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (KIMS) announced on the 17th that a research team including Senior Researcher Lee Hee-jeong, in collaboration with researchers from Kyungpook National University and Yeungnam University, has developed a technology to control the internal pore structure of MOFs using a laser.

The research team explained that as a result of applying the technology, the amount of carbon dioxide adsorbed increased by up to 75%.

Technology for the selective separation of mixed gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), is considered a key element for natural gas purification and energy efficiency improvement.

Existing liquid absorption processes or cryogenic separation methods had limitations due to high energy consumption and operating costs.

Accordingly, adsorption separation technologies utilizing porous materials have been considered as alternatives, and among them, MOFs have attracted attention due to their large internal surface area and structural control capabilities.

However, it has been pointed out that structural defects occurring during the synthesis process lead to non-uniform pores and a reduction in micropores advantageous for carbon dioxide adsorption.

The research team applied 'Laser-Induced Porosity Engineering (LIPE),' which utilizes lasers instead of chemical or heat treatment.

This technology improves pore distribution by reorganizing existing defect structures through a method of instantaneously heating and rapidly cooling the material.

The research results reportedly showed that relatively large pores were reduced, while micropores and surface characteristics favorable for carbon dioxide adsorption were formed.

According to the research team, MOFs to which the technology was applied showed results such as a maximum 94% increase in specific surface area and a maximum 75% increase in carbon dioxide adsorption capacity.

This study, unlike existing ones, has defects It is differentiated in that it enhances performance by reorganizing existing defects, rather than through a process of removing or creating new ones.

The research team explained that this allows for precise control of the pore structure without additional chemical processes, and simultaneously improves adsorption capacity and selectivity.

This technology is said to be applicable even to MOFs manufactured with low-cost raw materials, which is expected to help reduce material manufacturing costs and simplify the process.

The research team anticipates that it can be utilized in various gas separation industries, such as natural gas purification and hydrogen and methane production processes.

Senior Researcher Lee Hee-jeong and Professor Park Seong-hwan of Kyungpook National University stated, “There is potential for application in the carbon capture and gas separation industries, given that relatively low-energy, large-area processes are possible using lasers.”

This research was conducted with support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the National Research Foundation of Korea. The research results were published online on March 12, 2026, in the international journal 'Small' in the field of nanoscience.