Metal-Organic Frameworks based Precise Humidity Control Material (MOF-PHCM) for Autonomous Regulation of Indoor Moisture

ASHRAE recommends that the appropriate indoor relative humidity range for a healthy and comfortable indoor environment is between 40% and 65% RH. In order to meet the requirement, the vapour-compression air-conditioning system is the most commonly used method for dehumidification. However, this approach is energy-consuming.

In this paper, a novel precise humidity control material (PHCM) based on Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) is synthesized. This material has an S-shape isotherm, high porosity, and very high water vapor uptake of 1.62 g/g at 80% RH. MOF-PHCM can autonomously control indoor relative humidity within the desired comfort range at room temperature.

Hygrothermal properties of the new material are measured. Numerical simulations have been carried out to study the effect of MOF-PHCM on indoor hygrothermal conditions and building energy consumption in different climates. The results show that MOF-PHCM can effectively control indoor relative humidity fluctuations and reduce building energy consumption in most climates without any additional energy input.