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Sorption Science for MOFs, Zeolites & CO2 Capture for Building Materials

Free-to-attend Scientific Seminar | Sion, Switzerland

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Building the Future with Sorption Science - Optimizing Construction Materials for Carbon Capture

Join us at EPFL for a focused scientific workshop exploring the latest advances in sorption science for MOFs, zeolites, and building materials. Led by Prof. Wendy Queen & experts from Surface Measurement Systems, the seminar will cover fundamental principles of Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS), showcase advanced characterization techniques (DVS, BTA, MPA), and highlight real-world applications in CO2 capture, toxic gas scrubbing, & moisture interactions in porous materials.


Designed for researchers & professionals working in porous materials and construction science, this workshop combines theory, instrumentation insights, & practical case studies. From improving H2O/CO2 selectivity in MOFs to addressing humidity challenges in carbon capture for building materials, attendees will gain valuable knowledge and practical approaches to advance their research.

1. Welcome & Institutional Presentation (10:00 - 10:20)

  • Introduction by Prof. Wendy Queen
  • Presentation of her institute and ongoing projects related to sorption science
  • Contextualization of research activities with workshop theme

2. Introduction to SMS (10:20 - 10:30)

  • Presentation of Surface Measurement Systems and DVS/BTA/MPA techniques
  • Workshop objectives

3. Fundamentals of DVS  (10:30 - 10:50)

  • Principles of Dynamic Vapor/Gas Sorption
  • Instrument capabilities and specifications
  • Key experiments: drying, isotherms, isobars, co-sorption

4. Case Studies on MOFs and Zeolites (10:50 - 11:20)

  • Improving H₂O/CO₂ selectivity with functionalized MOFs
  • Scrubbing of toxic gases (SO₂) with novel MOFs
  • Water impact on methanol sorption in zeolites

5. Humidity Challenges in CO₂ Capture for building materials(11:20 - 11:50)

  • Why water is a challenge 
  • Examples:
    • High-temperature regeneration in humid conditions (MIL-101)
    • Carbonation of calcium oxide
    • Co-adsorption on zeolite 13X
    • Influence of humidity on membrane permeability

6. SMS Techniques to Address These Challenges (11:50 - 12:05)

  • DVS Carbon, DVS Vacuum, BTA, MPA: measurable parameters and use cases
  • Importance of testing under real-world conditions

7. Final Discussion & Q&A (12:05 - 12:20)

  • Summary of key takeaways
  • Open discussion and participant feedback

Connor Hewson
Surface Measurement Systems

Prof. Wendy Queen
EPFL