Metal-organic and covalent organic frameworks as single-site catalysts

Computational Design of Functionalized Metal-Organic Framework Nodes for Catalysis

Recent progress in the synthesis and characterization of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has opened the door to an increasing number of possible catalytic applications. The great versatility of MOFs creates a large chemical space, whose thorough experimental examination becomes practically impossible. Therefore, computational modeling is a key tool to support, rationalize, and guide experimental efforts. In this outlook we survey the main methodologies employed to model MOFs for catalysis, and we review selected recent studies on the functionalization of their nodes. We pay special attention to catalytic applications involving natural gas conversion.

Reliably Modeling the Mechanical Stability of Rigid and Flexible Metal-Organic Frameworks

Over the past two decades, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have matured from interesting academic peculiarities toward a continuously expanding class of hybrid, nanoporous materials tuned for targeted technological applications such as gas storage and heterogeneous catalysis. These oft-times crystalline materials, composed of inorganic moieties interconnected by organic ligands, can be endowed with desired structural and chemical features by judiciously functionalizing or substituting these building blocks. As a result of this reticular synthesis, MOF research is situated at the intriguing intersection between chemistry and physics, and the building block approach could pave the way toward the construction of an almost infinite number of possible crystalline structures, provided that they exhibit stability under the desired operational conditions. However, this enormous potential is largely untapped to date, as MOFs have not yet found a major breakthrough in technological applications. One of the remaining challenges for this scale-up is the densification of MOF powders, which is generally achieved by subjecting the material to a pressurization step. However, application of an external pressure may substantially alter the chemical and physical properties of the material. A reliable theoretical guidance that can presynthetically identify the most stable materials could help overcome this technological challenge. In this Account, we describe the recent research the progress on computational characterization of the mechanical stability of MOFs. So far, three complementary approaches have been proposed, focusing on different aspects of mechanical stability: (i) the Born stability criteria, (ii) the anisotropy in mechanical moduli such as the Young and shear moduli, and (iii) the pressure-versus-volume equations of state. As these three methods are grounded in distinct computational approaches, it is expected that their accuracy and efficiency will vary. To date, however, it is unclear which set of properties are suited and reliable for a given application, as a comprehensive comparison for a broad variety of MOFs is absent, impeding the widespread use of these theoretical frameworks. Herein, we fill this gap by critically assessing the performance of the three computational models on a broad set of MOFs that are representative for current applications. These materials encompass the mechanically rigid UiO-66(Zr) and MOF-5(Zn) as well as the flexible MIL-47(V) and MIL-53(Al), which undergo pressure-induced phase transitions. It is observed that the Born stability criteria and pressure-versus-volume equations of state give complementary insight into the macroscopic and microscopic origins of instability, respectively. However, interpretation of the Born stability criteria becomes increasingly difficult when less symmetric materials are considered. Moreover, pressure fluctuations during the simulations hamper their accuracy for flexible materials. In contrast, the pressure-versus-volume equations of state are determined in a thermodynamic ensemble specifically targeted to mitigate the effects of these instantaneous fluctuations, yielding more accurate results. The critical Account presented here paves the way toward a solid computational framework for an extensive presynthetic screening of MOFs to select those that are mechanically stable and can be postsynthetically densified before their use in targeted applications.

A novel polyhedron-based metal–organic framework with high performance for gas uptake and light hydrocarbon separation

A novel Zn-PMOF with high density of OMSs and LBSs was successfully assembled by the SBBs strategy and exhibited high performance for the capture and separation of CO₂ and C₃H₈ over CH₄.

An efficient access to β-ketosulfones via β-sulfonylvinylamines: metal–organic framework catalysis for the direct C–S coupling of sodium sulfinates with oxime acetates

A copper-based framework Cu₂(OBA)₂(BPY) was synthesized and used as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of β-sulfonylvinylamines from sodium sulfinates and oxime acetates via direct C–S coupling reaction. The transformation was remarkably affected by the solvent, and chlorobenzene emerged as the best option. This Cu-MOF displayed higher activity than numerous conventional homogeneous and MOF-based catalysts. The catalyst was reutilized many times in the synthesis of β-sulfonylvinylamines without considerably deteriorating in catalytic efficiency. These β-sulfonylvinylamines were readily converted to the corresponding β-ketosulfones via a hydrolysis step with aqueous HCl solution. To the best of our knowledge, this direct C–S coupling reaction to achieve β-sulfonylvinylamines was not previously conducted with a heterogeneous catalyst.

Cu₂(OBA)₂(BPY) was used as catalyst for the synthesis of β-sulfonylvinylamines from sodium sulfinates and oxime acetates. These β-sulfonylvinylamines were readily converted to corresponding β-ketosulfones via a hydrolysis step.

A new transformation of coumarins via direct C–H bond activation utilizing an iron–organic framework as a recyclable catalyst

A new mixed-linker iron-based MOF VNU-20 [Fe₃(BTC)(NDC)₂·6.65H₂O] was solvothermally synthesized, and utilized as catalyst for the coupling transformation of coumarins with N,N-dimethylanilines.

Catalytic properties of pristine and defect-engineered Zr-MOF-808 metal organic frameworks

Defect-engineered Zr-MOF-808 are superior catalysts for Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley reduction of (bulky) carbonyls.

Coordination driven self-assembly of [2 + 2 + 2] molecular squares: synthesis, crystal structures, catalytic and luminescence properties

Ten molecular squares were prepared through coordination-driven self-assembly and their catalytic activity and luminescence properties are reported.

Confinement of Fe–Al-PMOF catalytic sites favours the formation of pyrazoline from ethyl diazoacetate with an unusual sharp increase of selectivity upon recycling

Catalysis inside a porphyrinic MOF resulted in the formation of pyrazoline from ethyl diazoacetate which was not observed in the presence of a homogeneous iron porphyrin.

A uranyl phosphonate framework with a temperature-induced order–disorder transition and temperature-correlated photoluminescence

UPF-1 experiences a thermally induced order–disorder transition, leading to a negative linear correlation between the photoluminescence intensity and temperature, and may find application as a luminescent thermometer.

Enhanced glucose sensing based on a novel composite CoII-MOF/Acb modified electrode

A novel electrochemical sensor composed of a composite of Co^II-MOF/acetylene black exhibits enhanced sensing behavior for glucose detection.

Neutral ligand TIPA-based two 2D metal–organic frameworks: ultrahigh selectivity of C2H2/CH4and efficient sensing and sorption of Cr(vi)

Two 2D porous frameworks are synthesized base on tri(4-imidazolylphenyl)amine. Compound1exhibits that the ultrahigh selectivity of C₂H₂/CH₄, the highest one reported to date. Compound2combines the ultrahigh sensitivity and trapping for Cr₂O₇²⁻in aqueous solution.

Theoretical investigation of selective catalytic reduction of NO on MIL-100-Fe

Understanding reaction mechanisms for NO reduction on MIL-101-Fe.

Copper-catalyzed one-pot domino reactions via C–H bond activation: synthesis of 3-aroylquinolines from 2-aminobenzylalcohols and propiophenones under metal–organic framework catalysis

A Cu₂(OBA)₂(BPY) metal–organic framework was utilized as a productive heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of 3-aroylquinolines via one-pot domino reactions of 2-aminobenzylalcohols with propiophenones. This Cu-MOF was considerably more active towards the one-pot domino reaction than a series of transition metal salts, as well as nano oxide and MOF-based catalysts. The MOF-based catalyst was reusable without a significant decline in catalytic efficiency. To the best of our knowledge, the transformation of 2-aminobenzylalcohols to 3-aroylquinolines was not previously reported in the literature, and this protocol would be complementary to previous strategies for the synthesis of these valuable heterocycles.

Cu₂(OBA)₂(BPY) metal–organic framework was utilized as a productive heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of 3-aroylquinolines via one-pot domino reactions of 2-aminobenzylalcohols with propiophenones.

Metal coordination and metal activation abilities of commonly unreactive chloromethanes toward metal–organic frameworks

The commonly inert chloromethanes, dichloromethane and trichloromethane, can exchange other solvents bonded at open coordination sites in metal–organic frameworks, providing a new route to activate the open coordination sites for subsequent use in applications.

Metallophthalocyanine-based redox active metal–organic conjugated microporous polymers for OER catalysis

Two donor–acceptor redox-active metal–organic conjugated porous polymers (CoCMP and ZnCMP) have been synthesized and CoCMP has been found to be an efficient catalyst for water oxidation.

Liquid-free single-crystal to single-crystal transformations in coordination polymers

Single-crystal to single-crystal (SCSC) transformations not only can create new materials, but also provide an opportunity to explore the process of forming a chemical bond. SCSC transformations discussed in this paper are confined to transformationsviaan absolutely liquid-free mode and involve the breakage and formation of new chemical bonds.

Unprecedented NH2-MIL-101(Al)/n-Bu4NBr system as solvent-free heterogeneous catalyst for efficient synthesis of cyclic carbonates via CO2 cycloaddition

NH₂-MIL-101(Al)/n-Bu₄NBr is an excellent solvent-free catalyst for CO₂ cycloaddition to epoxides that highlights the benefits of micro–mesoporous system containing both acidic and basic functionalities.

4,4′,4′′-Triaminotriphenylamine-based porous polyimide as a visible-light-driven photocatalyst

A novel polyimide photocatalyst was fabricated by a low-temperature condensation method and its photocatalytic mechanism was discussed.

Stable metal–organic frameworks as a host platform for catalysis and biomimetics

Recent years have witnessed the exploration and synthesis of an increasing number of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The utilization of stable MOFs as a platform for catalysis and biomimetics is discussed.

Spray drying of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks: investigation of crystal formation and properties

The mechanism of crystal growth for ZIFs (ZIF-67 and Zn/Co-ZIF) is explored for the first time using the spray-drying technique.

New synthetic strategies to prepare metal–organic frameworks

This critical review summarizes the recent developments in the application of new synthetic strategies for preparing MOFs, including the ionothermal method, deep eutectic solvent usage, surfactant-thermal process, and mechanochemistry.

Covalent Organic Frameworks: From Materials Design to Biomedical Application

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are newly emerged crystalline porous polymers with well-defined skeletons and nanopores mainly consisted of light-weight elements (H, B, C, N and O) linked by dynamic covalent bonds. Compared with conventional materials, COFs possess some unique and attractive features, such as large surface area, pre-designable pore geometry, excellent crystallinity, inherent adaptability and high flexibility in structural and functional design, thus exhibiting great potential for various applications. Especially, their large surface area and tunable porosity and π conjugation with unique photoelectric properties will enable COFs to serve as a promising platform for drug delivery, bioimaging, biosensing and theranostic applications. In this review, we trace the evolution of COFs in terms of linkages and highlight the important issues on synthetic method, structural design, morphological control and functionalization. And then we summarize the recent advances of COFs in the biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors and conclude with a discussion of the challenges and opportunities of COFs for biomedical purposes. Although currently still at its infancy stage, COFs as an innovative source have paved a new way to meet future challenges in human healthcare and disease theranostic.

On the Better Understanding of the Surprisingly High Performance of Metal-Organic Framework-Based Mixed-Matrix Membranes Using the Example of UiO-66 and Matrimid

Metal-organic frameworks feature a certain framework flexibility, mainly due to a linker mobility inside the lattice. The latter is responsible for effects like breathing or gate-opening, thus making predictions of the sorption and diffusion behavior quite difficult. Permeation measurements on supported UiO-66 membranes at low temperatures and on polymer-coated UiO-66 membrane layers as well as ²H NMR line shape studies and nitrogen sorption measurements of UiO-66 with deuterated linkers in Matrimid as mixed-matrix membranes (MMM) indicate that the 2-site 180° flips (π-flips) of the aromatic ring are hindered by the presence of (i) the surrounding polymer Matrimid and (ii) residual solvent molecules, thus giving profound insights into the molecular understanding of gas transport through metal-organic framework-based MMMs.

Methane Adsorption in Zr-Based MOFs: Comparison and Critical Evaluation of Force Fields

The search for nanoporous materials that are highly performing for gas storage and separation is one of the contemporary challenges in material design. The computational tools to aid these experimental efforts are widely available, and adsorption isotherms are routinely computed for huge sets of (hypothetical) frameworks. Clearly the computational results depend on the interactions between the adsorbed species and the adsorbent, which are commonly described using force fields. In this paper, an extensive comparison and in-depth investigation of several force fields from literature is reported for the case of methane adsorption in the Zr-based Metal-Organic Frameworks UiO-66, UiO-67, DUT-52, NU-1000, and MOF-808. Significant quantitative differences in the computed uptake are observed when comparing different force fields, but most qualitative features are common which suggests some predictive power of the simulations when it comes to these properties. More insight into the host-guest interactions is obtained by benchmarking the force fields with an extensive number of ab initio computed single molecule interaction energies. This analysis at the molecular level reveals that especially ab initio derived force fields perform well in reproducing the ab initio interaction energies. Finally, the high sensitivity of uptake predictions on the underlying potential energy surface is explored.

TEMPO-Appended Metal-Organic Frameworks as Highly Active, Selective, and Reusable Catalysts for Mild Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) decorated with stable organic radicals are highly promising materials for redox catalysis. Unfortunately however, the synthesis of chemically robust MOFs typically requires harsh solvothermal conditions, which are not compatible with organic radicals. Here, we describe the synthesis of two isoreticular families of stable, mixed component, zirconium MOFs with UiO-66 and UiO-67 structures and controlled amounts of covalently attached TEMPO radicals. The materials were obtained using a relatively low-temperature, HCl-modulated de novo method developed by Hupp and Farha and shown to contain large amounts of missing cluster defects, forming nanodomains of the reo phase with 8-connected clusters. In the extreme case of homoleptic UiO-67-TEMPO(100%), the material exists as an almost pure reo phase. Large voids due to missing clusters and linkers allowed these materials to accommodate up to 2 times more of bulky TEMPO substituents than theoretically predicted for the idealized structures and proved to be beneficial for catalytic activity. The TEMPO-appended MOFs were shown to be highly active and recyclable catalysts for selective aerobic oxidation of a broad range of primary and secondary alcohols under exceptionally mild conditions (room temperature, atmospheric pressure of air). The influence of various parameters, including the pore size and TEMPO content, on the catalytic activity was also comprehensively investigated.

TiO2-Containing Carbon Derived from a Metal-Organic Framework Composite: A Highly Active Catalyst for Oxidative Desulfurization

A new metal-organic framework (MOF) composite consisting of Ti- and Zn-based MOFs (ZIF-8(x)@H₂N-MIL-125; in brief, ZIF(x)@MOF) was designed and synthesized. The pristine MOF [H₂N-MIL-125 (MOF)]- and an MOF-composite [ZIF(30)@MOF]-derived mesoporous carbons consisting of TiO₂ nanoparticles were prepared by pyrolysis (named MDC-P and MDC-C, respectively). MDC-C showed a higher surface area, larger pore sizes, and larger mesopore volumes than MDC-P. In addition, the TiO₂ nanoparticles on MDC-C have more uniform shapes and sizes and are smaller than those of MDC-P. The obtained MDC-C and MDC-P [together with MOF, ZIF(30)@MOF, pure/nanocrystalline TiO₂, and activated carbon] were applied in the oxidative desulfurization reaction of dibenzothiophene in a model fuel. The MDC-C, even with a lower TiO₂ content than that of MDC-P, showed an outstanding catalytic performance, especially with a very low catalyst dose (i.e., a very high quantity of dibenzothiophene was converted per unit weight of the catalyst), fast kinetics (∼3 times faster than that for MDC-P), and a low activation energy (lower than that for any reported catalyst) for the oxidation of dibenzothiophene. The large mesopores of MDC-C and the well-dispersed/small TiO₂ might be the dominant factors for the superior catalytic conversions. The oxidative desulfurization of other sulfur-containing organic compounds with various electron densities was also studied with MDC-C to understand the mechanism of catalysis. Moreover, the MDC-C catalyst can be reused many times in the oxidative desulfurization reaction after a simple washing with acetone. Finally, composing MOFs and subsequent pyrolysis is suggested as an effective way to prepare a catalyst with well-dispersed active sites, large pores, and high mesoporosity.

Ionic liquid accelerates the crystallization of Zr-based metal-organic frameworks

The Zr-based metal–organic frameworks are generally prepared by solvothermal procedure. To overcome the slow kinetics of nucleation and crystallization of Zr-based metal–organic frameworks is of great interest and challenging. Here, we find that an ionic liquid as solvent can significantly accelerate the formation of Zr-based metal–organic frameworks at room temperature. For example, the reaction time is shortened to 0.5 h in 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride for Zr-based metal–organic framework formation, while that in the conventional solvent N,N-dimethylformamide needs at least 120 h. The reaction mechanism was investigated in situ by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance, spectroscopy synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering and X-ray absorption fine structure. This rapid, low-energy, and facile route produces Zr-based metal–organic framework nanoparticles with small particle size, missing-linker defects and large surface area, which can be used as heterogeneous catalysts for Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley reaction.

Crystallization kinetics of metal-organic frameworks in conventional organic solvents are usually very slow. Here, the authors show that an ionic liquid medium accelerates considerably the formation of Zr-based metal-organic frameworks that are active catalysts in the Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reaction.

Crystallization of Covalent Organic Frameworks for Gas Storage Applications

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as a new class of crystalline porous materials prepared by integrating organic molecular building blocks into predetermined network structures entirely through strong covalent bonds. The consequently encountered "crystallization problem" has been conquered by dynamic covalent chemistry in syntheses and reticular chemistry in materials design. In this contribution, we have reviewed the progress in the crystallization of COF materials and their hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide gas storage properties for clean energy applications.

Challenges in the Greener Production of Formates/Formic Acid, Methanol, and DME by Heterogeneously Catalyzed CO2 Hydrogenation Processes

The recent advances in the development of heterogeneous catalysts and processes for the direct hydrogenation of CO₂ to formate/formic acid, methanol, and dimethyl ether are thoroughly reviewed, with special emphasis on thermodynamics and catalyst design considerations. After introducing the main motivation for the development of such processes, we first summarize the most important aspects of CO₂ capture and green routes to produce H₂. Once the scene in terms of feedstocks is introduced, we carefully summarize the state of the art in the development of heterogeneous catalysts for these important hydrogenation reactions. Finally, in an attempt to give an order of magnitude regarding CO₂ valorization, we critically assess economical aspects of the production of methanol and DME and outline future research and development directions.

Improved resolution and simplification of the spin-diffusion-based NMR method for the structural analysis of mixed-linker MOFs

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy combined with modeling represents a powerful tool for the structural analysis of heterogeneous materials. In this contribution we describe an upgraded method, particularly suited for the structural analysis of mixed-linker metal-organic framework materials, which is based on the measurement and modeling of proton spin diffusion among constituents. We tested the method on a UiO-66-type metal-organic material, in which the organic building units were 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate and trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate anions distributed within the framework in an unknown manner. We showed that resolution of the signals of different building units could be significantly enhanced by the carbon-detected version of the proton spin-diffusion measurement. Because this kind of measurement is much more time consuming than the proton-detected measurement and because one has to carry out several two-dimensional measurements to extract spin-diffusion curves, we inspected the possibility of reducing the number of such measurements. This could be done by limiting the analysis to short mixing times, for which, as shown in this contribution, linear approximation is valid. When working in the linear regime, only a few experimental points are needed to determine the slope of spin-diffusion curves. Usage of short spin-diffusion mixing times significantly shortened the total measurement time and also markedly simplified the modeling of spin-diffusion curves.

Comparative single atom heterogeneous catalysts (SAHCs) on different platforms: a theoretical approach

The nature of SAHC interactions with the matrix is crucial as it controls the electronic structure of the atom, its charge, the coordination pattern and the overall catalytic ensemble. We have checked all these aspects by studying the same single atom in oxides, metals and carbon nitride.

Porous crystalline materials: closing remarks

This paper is derived from my ‘closing remarks’ lecture at the 287th Faraday Discussions meeting on New Directions in Porous Crystalline Materials, Edinburgh, UK, 5–7 June, 2017. This meeting comprised sessions on the design of porous networks, and their capture, storage, separation, conducting properties, catalysts, resistance to chemicals and moisture, simulation, and electronic structures. This paper details the achievements and developments in the field, as reflected in invited speakers’ papers and discussions with the attendees during the meeting.