Collaborative Assessment of a Novel MOF Material for Efficient Removal of Indoor Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde (FA) is a significant indoor pollutant due to its widespread presence in construc-tion materials and its harmful health effects. Recently, a porous MOF (Metal-Organic Frame-work) material designated as Al-3,5-PDA (pyrazole dicarboxylate) has been developed for ef-ficient removal of FA. Once shaped as a MOF paper sheet, under the Energy in Buildings and Communities (EBC) Program Annex 86, the material is undergoing evaluation in diverse indoor conditions across multiple institutions. Tests in 50-L chambers showed that the MOF paper exhibits 49 - 90% removal efficiency of FA over 7 – 28 days. The high removal efficiency was maintained at different concentrations (50 – 500 μg/m³) and relative humidity (10 – 70%). The observations imply adaptability and potential of Al-3,5-PDA for use in addressing FA pollution in diverse indoor environments. However, re-emission of FA was observed at the end of 7-day and 28-day adsorption tests. This is likely due to the desorption from the cellulose in the paper sheet. Further research is planned to determine the process of desorption within the membrane and impact of temperatures and other indoor pollutants.