Enhancing the electrical conductivity of concrete using metal-organic frameworks

This research evaluates the electrical conductivity, mechanical characteristics, durability, and environmental viability of electrically conductive concrete (ECC) incorporating zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) metal-organic-framework (MOF). Performance of MOF-ECC was characterized by slump, electrical conductivity/resistivity, compressive strength, water absorption, volume of permeable pore voids, and economic and environmental viability. Its performance was compared to plain concrete and counterparts made with different conductive materials, namely steel fibers, carbon fibers, graphite powder, and carbon black. Results showed that increasing the volumetric rate of conductive materials reduced the slump and required more superplasticizer to maintain consistency. Meanwhile, the addition of MOF led to equivalent or more electrically concrete compared to other materials. Compressive strength and water absorption were affected by the type and proportion of conductive material but were positively impacted by MOF incorporation. A performance index, involving electrical resistivity, mechanical characteristics, durability, and environmental viability, highlighted that ECC containing 0.5% MOF by volume was most suitable for multifunctional concrete applications.