Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3126-6015
Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Thesis (Ph.D.)
Department or Program
Chemistry
First Advisor
Katherine Mirica
Abstract
Smart membranes that integrate functional materials with substrates offer promising solutions for toxic gas sensing, filtration, and environmental remediation. Among available materials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are particularly attractive due to high surface areas, tunable porosity, and abundant active sites. However, the development of smart membranes is constrained by challenges in controllable and scalable fabrication, long-term stability, and functional reliability. This thesis addresses these limitations by developing textile-based smart membranes incorporating (1) copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2) and (2) a Cu-based MOF for toxic gas detection and adsorption. Additionally, the controllable assembly of SU-101 on textiles is demonstrated, highlighting the versatility of deposition strategies for MOF membranes.
Chapter 1 reviews recent progress of smart MOF membranes, emphasizing fabrication versatility and multifunctional capabilities for toxic gas monitoring and filtration. It discusses integration strategies for incorporating MOFs onto various substrates, to achieve excellent sensing, adsorption, and detoxification performance in membrane composites. The chapter also identifies opportunities and challenges that require continued innovation in membrane material design and deposition.
Building upon these insights, Chapter 2 explores an alternative materials strategy by developing a smart membrane using metal salts instead of MOFs. It presents a low-cost, straightforward fabrication of Cu(OH)2-coated textiles, enabling dual-mode sensing and filtration of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). This chapter establishes the first Cu(OH)₂-based membrane for comprehensive H2S control, demonstrating a promising non-MOF pathway for smart membrane development.
Extending this material design toward MOF-based systems, Chapter 3 leverages Cu(OH)2 as a template for the growth of a conductive Cu-based MOF on textiles, achieving simultaneous sensing, filtration, and detoxication of sulfur dioxide (SO2). This chapter unveils MOF–SO2 interactions while highlighting the membrane’s potential for integration into smart wearables.
Chapter 4 investigates the controllable growth of SU-101 on textiles. Distinct fabrication strategies are explored to deposit MOF on cotton with tailored morphologies and properties. This chapter provides fundamental insights into controlling MOF deposition within textiles substrates.
In conclusion, this thesis advances the field of smart membranes by developing innovative fabrication strategies for integrating nanomaterials within textiles. It enables multifunctional platforms for detection, adsorption, and remediation of airborne pollutants.
Recommended Citation
Zhong, Zhuoran, "Advancing Functional Nanomaterials as Smart Membranes for Toxic Gas Detection and Adsorption" (2026). Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations. 485.
https://digitalcommons.dartmouth.edu/dissertations/485
