San Juan, PR — February 3, 2026 — In this first edition of PR Patent Watch, we highlight a newly issued patent from the University of Puerto Rico, reflecting the island's strong research ecosystem and the growing momentum behind translating academic discoveries into realworld solutions.
The patent, US 12,515,195 B2, titled "BiMetallic Pillared Layered Coordination Polymers for Carbon Dioxide Removal," protects an advanced material designed for efficient and selective carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture. Developed by Dr. Arturo J. Hernández Maldonado and Dr. Alberto Tous Granados, this innovation showcases how Puerto Rico–based research contributes meaningful solutions to global sustainability and clean energy challenges.
What's a MOF?
A Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) is a class of materials created by linking metal atoms with organic (carbonbased) molecules. The result is a highly ordered, porous structure—often described as a "molecular sponge"—that can be tuned to trap specific gases such as CO₂.
A Novel MOF Designed for HighEfficiency CO₂ Capture
The patented material is a bimetallic coordination polymer featuring:
- Copperbased twodimensional sheets, and
- Berylliumbased pillars coordinated with βdiketonate ligands,
Assembled into a porous, threedimensional framework. This architecture enables:
- Adsorption selectivity toward CO₂ higher than 50 (Molar basis), essential for clean separation processes
- Up to fivefold higher CO₂ uptake compared to copperonly analogues
- Thermal stability near 250 °C, crucial for repeated use
- Moderate adsorption energies (20–50 kJ/mol), supporting strong interaction with CO₂ while allowing lowenergy regeneration
These performance traits position the material as a strong candidate for industrial carbon capture, direct air capture (DAC), and advanced gas purification.
Why This Matters Scientifically
- Efficient capture without excessive energy:
The added metal (beryllium) creates internal sites that attract CO₂ more strongly yet still allow the material to release the gas when needed. That means better capture performance without high energy penalties during regeneration.
- Spongelike pores that can be "tuned":
The structure contains extremely small, porous channels with large internal surface area. When activated (via mild heating), the pores open further, enabling greater CO₂ storage and adaptable behavior depending on conditions.
Why This Matters in the Market
Industrial Carbon Capture
Facilities like power plants and chemical manufacturers need affordable, energyefficient ways to reduce CO₂ emissions. Selective capture with lowenergy regeneration can significantly lower operating costs.
Direct Air Capture (DAC)
CO₂ is present at very low concentrations in ambient air. Materials that still perform well at these levels are valuable for DAC systems and even indoor air quality applications.
Gas Purification
Removing CO₂ from biogas and natural gas improves fuel quality and process efficiency. Strong but reversible CO₂ uptake makes this MOF a promising option.
Why the Patent Itself Is Important
- A genuinely new design
Earlier analogues relied solely on copper. This patent introduces a second metal (beryllium) in the pillars, creating a unique internal architecture that improves CO₂ interactions.
- A practical, reproducible recipe
The patent details the synthesis order and solvent conditions needed to build the structure correctly, critical for scaleup and commercial reproducibility.
- Ready for realworld systems
Stability up to ~250 °C means it can handle the heating/pressure swings used in existing CO₂ capture cycles, supporting integration into industrial processes.
Licensing Opportunity
This technology is available for licensing and represents a promising opportunity for partners interested in carbon capture, clean energy, and gas purification solutions.
Explore licensing and technical details here:
https://bit.ly/4af1Zd7
Collaboration That Moves Technologies from Lab to Market
This patent underscores Puerto Rico's collaborative innovation, uniting University of Puerto Rico researchers with the Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust's Technology Transfer Office (TTO). As the only regional TTO serving universities and research institutions across the island, the office:
- Identifies patentable innovations
- Evaluates scientific and technical merit
- Protects intellectual property
- Markets technologies to potential partners
- Transfers innovations through licensing and startup pathways
The TTO's ongoing role helps ensure Puerto Rican research translates into tangible technologies capable of realworld impact.
About PR Patent Watch
PR Patent Watch highlights newly and previously issued patents from Puerto Rican universities and research institutions supported by our Technology Transfer Office. Each edition feature celebrates local technology, recognizes the inventors behind the breakthroughs, and underscores the island's growing strength in research, intellectual property creation, and technology commercialization.
