Approach:
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials composed of metal ions or clusters coordinated with rigid organic ligands. In recent years, MOFs have gained significant attention for their potential applications in various fields, including sensing in mineral processing.
The current project explores the development and application of MOFs for metal sensing in mineral processing, aiming to enhance the detection and quantification of metal cations into froth flotation.
We focus on synthesizing a variety of MOFs with specific functional groups designed to selectively bind and detect hazardous metals such as lead, or joint metal (calcium, magnesium) commonly found in mining operations. Through advanced characterisation techniques (SAXS-WAXS, XRD), we evaluate the structural integrity and adsorption capabilities of these MOFs in complex mineral matrices.
The main goal of the project is to develop a multi-sensor platform integrating MOFs with fluorescence detection to provide real-time monitoring of metal concentrations during mineral processing operations. This research not only highlights the potential of MOFs in addressing critical challenges in mineral processing but also paves the way for future innovations in material science and environmental monitoring.