Symmetry-guided syntheses of mixed-linker Zr metal-organic frameworks with precise linker locations

Symmetry-guided linker insertion produces an fcu Zr-MOF with both linkers of different symmetries placed at well-defined locations in the framework.

While the one-pot reaction of zirconium metal ions with a mixture of two dicarboxylate heterolinkers yielded a 12-c fcu Zr MOF with randomly distributed linkers, the symmetry-guided stepwise reaction produced the same MOF with both linkers precisely located in the framework. In the latter method, linear terephthalic acid (H₂BDC) derivatives with mmm symmetry were inserted into the mmm-symmetry sites of the flexible Zr MOF with 8-c bcu topology (ZRN-bcu), which is composed of zigzag 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid with 2/m symmetry. Although the length of the symmetry-matching BDC^2– derivatives was much shorter than the distance between the unlinked nearest-neighbor Zr clusters in ZRN-bcu, induced fitting of the derivatives into the framework was possible, resulting in well-defined locations for the two different dicarboxylate linkers. Thus, controlled synthesis of MOFs with the desired topology and functionality can be achieved using a symmetry-guided approach.

A Reusable MOF-Supported Single-Site Zinc(II) Catalyst for Efficient Intramolecular Hydroamination of o-Alkynylanilines

The exploitation of new and active earth-abundant metal catalysts is critical for sustainable chemical production. Herein, we demonstrate the design of highly efficient, robust, and reusable Zn^II -bipyridine-based metal-organic framework (MOF) catalysts for the intramolecular hydroamination of o-alkynylanilines to indoles. Under similar conditions homogeneous catalytic systems mainly provide hydrolysate. Our results prove that MOFs support unique internal environments that can affect the direction of chemical reactions. The Zn^II -catalyzed hydroamination reaction can be conducted without additional ligands, base, or acid, and is thus a very clean reaction system with regard to its environmental impact.

Fabricating Single-Atom Catalysts from Chelating Metal in Open Frameworks

In the present study, a highly efficient strategy is reported using open framework platforms with abundant chelating ligands to fabricate a series of stable metal single-atom catalysts (SACs). Here, the metal ions are initially anchored onto the active bipyridine sites through postsynthetic modification, followed by pyrolysis and acid leaching. The resulting single metal atoms are uniformly distributed on a nitrogen-doped carbon (N-C) matrix. Interestingly, each metal atom is found to be coordinated with five N atoms, in contrast to the average coordination number of four as previously reported. The as-prepared Fe SAC/N-C catalyst exhibits excellent oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity (with a half-wave potential of 0.89 V), outstanding stability, and good methanol tolerance. The density functional calculations reveal that the coordinated pyridine can favorably modulate the interaction strength of oxygen on the Fe ion and thus improve the ORR activity. More importantly, it is demonstrated that this strategy can be successfully extended to the preparation of other transition metal SACs, simply by altering the metal precursors used in the metalation step.

Improved luminescence properties by the self-assembly of lanthanide compounds with a 1-D chain structure for the sensing of CH3COOH and toxic HS− anions

A family of lanthanide compounds has been explored and enhanced luminescence has been accomplished by doping method. A brand new and multifunctional fluorescence probe was developed, which was able to detect CH₃COOH and HS⁻ with different mechanisms.

Elucidating the mechanism of the UiO-66-catalyzed sulfide oxidation: activity and selectivity enhancements through changes in the node coordination environment and solvent

“Open” sites on the nodes of UiO-66 are converted to catalytically active Zr-OOH and can coordinate with solvent/products.

Stepwise and hysteretic sorption of CO2 in polycatenated metal–organic frameworks

Two isostructural 3D dynamic MOFs with different metal sites have been constructed, which exhibit temperature-dependent stepwise and hysteretic sorption behaviors toward CO₂ around room temperature.

Charge, adsorption, water stability and bandgap tuning of an anionic Cd(ii) porphyrinic metal–organic framework

By changing the occupancies of the metal ions and counterions, the tuning of the framework charge, band-edge position and bandgap of a novel Cd(ii) porphyrinic MOF 1 was achieved.

From fundamentals to applications: a toolbox for robust and multifunctional MOF materials

In recent years, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been regarded as one of the most important classes of materials. The combination of various metal clusters and ligands, arranged in a vast array of geometries has led to an ever-expanding MOF family. Each year, new and novel MOF structures are discovered. The structural diversity present in MOFs has significantly expanded the application of these new materials. MOFs show great potential for a variety of applications, including but not limited to: gas storage and separation, catalysis, biomedicine delivery, and chemical sensing. This review intends to offer a short summary of some of the most important topics and recent development in MOFs. The scope of this review shall cover the fundamental aspects concerning the design and synthesis of MOFs and range to the practical applications regarding their stability and derivative structures. Emerging trends of MOF development will also be discussed. These trends shall include multicomponent MOFs, defect development in MOFs, and MOF composites. The ever important structure-property-application relationship for MOFs will also be investigated. Overall, this review provides insight into both existing structures and emerging aspects of MOFs.

Photoreduction of carbon dioxide under visible light by ultra-small Ag nanoparticles doped into Co-ZIF-9

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are well-known porous materials able to adsorb CO₂, and their performance in CO₂ reduction has attracted much attention from researchers. A classical Co-MOF, Co-ZIF-9, has been proposed as a novel photocatalyst for reducing CO₂ into chemical feedstocks. Herein, Co-ZIF-9 with a rod-like structure was obtained through reflux. Ultra-small silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs, smaller than 5 nm) were doped into Co-ZIF-9 by the photodeposition method. With the assistance of a photosensitizer, the resultant composite Ag@Co-ZIF-9 shows catalytic reactivity in converting CO₂ into CO under visible light irradiation. Compared with bare Co-ZIF-9, the photocatalytic performance of Ag@Co-ZIF-9 increases by more than twofold (around 28.4 μmol CO) and the selectivity is enhanced by about 20% (22.9 μmol H₂) for 0.5 h of irradiation. This demonstrates that Ag NPs doping may provide a possible way to promote the efficiency and selectivity of MOF materials in CO₂ photoreduction.

Four 3D coordination polymers based on layers with single syn-anti carboxylate bridges: synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties

Four novel coordination polymers (CPs) based on a new 4-(3,5-dicarboxylphenyl) picolinic acid ligands (H3L), [M3(L)2(H2O)6]·4H2O (M3 = Mn3, 1; Co3, 2; Ni3, 3, Co1.01Ni1.99, 4), have been hydrothermally synthesized, and structurally and magnetically characterized. In these isomorphous CPs, octahedrally coordinated metal ions are linked by the single syn-anti carboxylate bridge (μ-COO) to give linear trinuclear motifs. The motifs are connected through the other single syn-anti carboxylate bridge (μ-COO) to give a 2D (4,4) layer, and the layers are interlinked by the L ligands into 3D frameworks. Magnetic measurement indicates that antiferromagnetic interactions between metal ions are mediated through the single syn-anti carboxylate bridges in 1 and 2, while the same carboxylate bridges in 3 transmit ferromagnetic couplings. The bimetallic CP 4 shows interesting complicated magnetic behaviors due to the competition effect of Co(ii) and Ni(ii) ions.

A novel covalent post-synthetically modified MOF hybrid as a sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for Al3+ detection in aqueous media

A modified MOF named UiO-66-NH₂-SA was synthesized based on the covalent post synthetic attachment of the MOFs (UiO-66-NH₂) and salicylaldehyde via a Schiff-base reaction. The as-prepared functionalized UiO-66-NH₂-SA not only maintains its structural integrity during the PSM process, but also shows excellent luminescence and good fluorescence stability in water. It was further utilized as a novel fluorescent probe for detecting of Al³⁺. The fluorescence intensity of UiO-66-NH₂-SA increased linearly upon increasing the concentration of Al³⁺ in the range of 0-500 μM with a detection limit of 6.98 μM. The possible mechanism is discussed. This study presents a new ratiometric and colorimetric Al³⁺ fluorescent sensor. The good fluorescence stability of UiO-66-NH₂-SA in aqueous media, the low detection limit and the broad linear in sensing Al³⁺ indicate its high potential in practical applications.

A reliable amplified fluorescence-enhanced chemosensor (Eu-MIL-61) for the directional detection of Ag+ in an aqueous solution

A robust gallium carboxylate Ga(OH)(btec)·0.5H₂O (MIL-61) was synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions and selected as the parent MOF to prepare Eu-MIL-61 by post-synthetic modification due to the uncoordinated carbonyl group of the ligand (pyromellitic acid (H4btec)). The firm framework, permanent porosity, and non-coordinated sites make MIL-61 a good scaffold for immobilizing and sensitizing Eu³⁺. The products showed excellent luminescence and, more significantly, Eu-MIL-61 showed excellent selectivity with photoluminescence enhancement, fast response time, and low detection limit for Ag⁺ ions in the aqueous solutions. In addition, the frameworks were not susceptible to the acid-base property of solutions, which can be further applied to monitor the concentration of Ag⁺ in several daily water samples.

Multifunctional Aromatic Carboxylic Acids as Versatile Building Blocks for Hydrothermal Design of Coordination Polymers

Selected recent examples of coordination polymers (CPs) or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) constructed from different multifunctional carboxylic acids with phenyl-pyridine or biphenyl cores have been discussed. Despite being still little explored in crystal engineering research, such types of semi-rigid, thermally stable, multifunctional and versatile carboxylic acid building blocks have become very promising toward the hydrothermal synthesis of metal-organic architectures possessing distinct structural features, topologies, and functional properties. Thus, the main aim of this mini-review has been to motivate further research toward the synthesis and application of coordination polymers assembled from polycarboxylic acids with phenyl-pyridine or biphenyl cores. The importance of different reaction parameters and hydrothermal conditions on the generation and structural types of CPs or MOFs has also been highlighted. The influence of the type of main di- or tricarboxylate ligand, nature of metal node, stoichiometry and molar ratio of reagents, temperature, and presence of auxiliary ligands or templates has been showcased. Selected examples of highly porous or luminescent CPs, compounds with unusual magnetic properties, and frameworks for selective sensing applications have been described.

Tuning the gate opening pressure of a flexible doubly interpenetrated metal–organic framework through ligand functionalization

JLU-Liu33F has been solvothermally synthesized by utilizing the ligand functionalization strategy. Compared with JLU-Liu33, JLU-Liu33F exhibits a completely different breathing behavior.

Acidic ionic liquid based UiO-67 type MOFs: a stable and efficient heterogeneous catalyst for esterification

Acidic ionic liquid groups were introduced into the frameworks successfully and the resulting materials showed excellent activity.

From 2D → 3D interpenetration to packing: N coligand-driven structural assembly and tuning of luminescent sensing activities towards Fe3+ and Cr2O72− ions

Three complexes were hydrothermally synthesized and exhibited excellent selectivity towards Fe³⁺ and Cr₂O₇²⁻.

Syntheses of Exceptionally Stable Aluminum(III) Metal-Organic Frameworks: How to Grow High-Quality, Large, Single Crystals

The difficulty of obtaining large single crystals of aluminum carboxylate metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for structure determinations has limited the development of these water and thermally stable MOFs. Herein, how large single crystals of known MIL-53(Al) and the first two tetrahedral ligand-based, visible-light-absorbing 3D Al-MOFs, [Al₃ (OH)₃ (HTCS)₂ ] (AlTCS-1) and [Al₅ O₂ (OH)₃ (TCS)₂ (H₂ O)₂ ] (AlTCS-2; TCS=tetrakis(4-oxycarbonylphenyl)silane), are obtained in the presence of hydrofluoric or formic acid for conventional single-crystal diffraction measurements is presented. The technique of obtaining those single crystals has potential to be a general method for obtaining large and good-quality single crystals of Al-MOFs. AlTCS-1 and -2 are stable over a wide pH range (1-11), and AlTCS-1 is even stable in aqua regia solution for at least 24 h. The BET specific surface areas of AlTCS-1 and -2 are 11 and 1506 m²  g^-1 , respectively. AlTCS-2 takes up 51 cm³  (STP) g^-1 CO₂ and 15 cm³  (STP) g^-1 CH₄ at 298 K and 1 bar, which is relatively high among MOF materials. AlTCS-1 takes up 30 cm³  g^-1 CO₂ and 4.2 cm³  g^-1 CH₄ at 298 K and 1 bar. The rapid and stable photocurrent responses of AlTCS-1 and -2 under UV and visible-light illumination are observed. Moreover, AlTCS-1 photocatalyzes the water-splitting reaction under visible light with an average hydrogen evolution efficiency of 50 μmol g^-1  h^-1 for the first 10 h in a mixture of water and triethanolamine.

Plasmonic nanopatch array with integrated metal-organic framework for enhanced infrared absorption gas sensing

In this letter, we present a nanophotonic device consisting of plasmonic nanopatch array (NPA) with integrated metal-organic framework (MOF) for enhanced infrared absorption gas sensing. By designing a gold NPA on a sapphire substrate, we are able to achieve enhanced optical field that spatially overlaps with the MOF layer, which can adsorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) with high capacity. Experimental results show that this hybrid plasmonic-MOF device can effectively increase the infrared absorption path of on-chip gas sensors by more than 1100-fold. The demonstration of infrared absorption spectroscopy of CO₂ using the hybrid plasmonic-MOF device proves a promising strategy for future on-chip gas sensing with ultra-compact size.

CO2 Capture and Separations Using MOFs: Computational and Experimental Studies

This Review focuses on research oriented toward elucidation of the various aspects that determine adsorption of CO₂ in metal-organic frameworks and its separation from gas mixtures found in industrial processes. It includes theoretical, experimental, and combined approaches able to characterize the materials, investigate the adsorption/desorption/reaction properties of the adsorbates inside such environments, screen and design new materials, and analyze additional factors such as material regenerability, stability, effects of impurities, and cost among several factors that influence the effectiveness of the separations. CO₂ adsorption, separations, and membranes are reviewed followed by an analysis of the effects of stability, impurities, and process operation conditions on practical applications.

Electrochemical Water Oxidation by a Catalyst-Modified Metal-Organic Framework Thin Film

Water oxidation, a key component in artificial photosynthesis, requires high overpotentials and exhibits slow reaction kinetics that necessitates the use of stable and efficient heterogeneous water-oxidation catalysts (WOCs). Here, we report the synthesis of UiO-67 metal-organic framework (MOF) thin films doped with [Ru(tpy)(dcbpy)OH₂ ]²⁺ (tpy=2,2':6',2''-terpyridine, dcbpy=5,5'-dicarboxy-2,2'-bipyridine) on conducting surfaces and their propensity for electrochemical water oxidation. The electrocatalyst oxidized water with a turnover frequency (TOF) of (0.2±0.1) s^-1 at 1.71 V versus the normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) in buffered solution (pH∼7) and exhibited structural and electrochemical stability. The electroactive sites were distributed throughout the MOF thin film on the basis of scan-ratedependent voltammetry studies. This work demonstrates a promising way to immobilize large concentrations of electroactive WOCs into a highly robust MOF scaffold and paves the way for future photoelectrochemical water-splitting systems.

Ab initio molecular dynamics determination of competitive O₂ vs. N₂ adsorption at open metal sites of M₂(dobdc)

The separation of oxygen from nitrogen using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is of great interest for potential pressure-swing adsorption processes for the generation of purified O2 on industrial scales. This study uses ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations to examine for the first time the pure-gas and competitive gas adsorption of O2 and N2 in the M2(dobdc) (M = Cr, Mn, Fe) MOF series with coordinatively unsaturated metal centers. Effects of metal, temperature, and gas composition are explored. This unique application of AIMD allows us to study in detail the adsorption/desorption processes and to visualize the process of multiple guests competitively binding to coordinatively unsaturated metal sites of a MOF.

Ethylene oligomerization in metal–organic frameworks bearing nickel(ii) 2,2′-bipyridine complexes

The metal–organic frameworks Zr₆O₄(OH)₄(bpydc)₆ (1; bpydc²⁻ = 2,2′-bipyridine-5,5′-dicarboxylate) and Zr₆O₄(OH)₄(bpydc)_0.84(bpdc)_5.16 (2; bpdc²⁻ = biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate) were readily metalated with Ni(DME)Br₂ (DME = dimethoxyethane) to produce the corresponding metalated frameworks 1(NiBr₂)₆ and 2(NiBr₂)_0.84. Both nickel(ii)-containing frameworks catalyze the oligomerization of ethylene in the presence of Et₂AlCl. In these systems, the pore environment around the active nickel sites significantly influences their selectivity for formation of oligomers over polymer. Specifically, the single-crystal structure of 1(NiBr₂)_5.64 reveals that surrounding metal–linker complexes enforce a steric environment on each nickel site that causes polymer formation to become favorable. Minimizing this steric congestion by isolating the nickel(ii) bipyridine complexes in the mixed-linker framework 2(NiBr₂)_0.84 markedly improves both the catalytic activity and selectivity for oligomers. Furthermore, both frameworks give product mixtures that are enriched in shorter olefins (C_4–10), leading to deviations from the expected Schulz–Flory distribution of oligomers. Although these deviations indicate possible pore confinement effects on selectivity, control experiments using the nickel-treated biphenyl framework Zr₆O₄(OH)₄(bpdc)₆(NiBr₂)_0.14 (3(NiBr₂)_0.14) reveal that they likely arise at least in part from the presence of nickel species that are not ligated by bipyridine within 1(NiBr₂)_5.64 and 2(NiBr₂)_0.84.

Postsynthetic N-methylation making a metal–organic framework responsive to alkylamines

The postsynthetically created electron-deficient bipyridinium moieties in a Zr-MOF provide charge-transfer sites for selectively recognizing and capturing alkylamines with fast and reversible vapochromism and luminescence quenching.

The Road to MOF-Related Functional Materials and Beyond: Desire, Design, Decoration, and Development

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which are known as a class of porous coordination polymers, have proven to be of great significance to manifold applications, owing to their fascinating topology, ultrahigh porosity, enormous internal surface area, and the combination of being as rigid as inorganic materials and as flexible as organic materials . In this review, we give a concise history of the development of MOFs as functional materials prior to our entry into this area in 2006, then a summary of our road to participate in and extend the outline of the research in MOFs chemistry, as well as the challenge in further designing applicable functional materials. We describe not only the road of evolution from the past, present, and future of this chemistry, but also the road to finalize a functional material from the desire to the design, synthesis, and postmodification of a MOF. Throughout the review, we particularly emphasize the improvements in the application of MOFs as heterogeneous catalysts, such as employing MOFs as one component for the construction of composites, and their extended scope in tough catalytic reactions. Examples of applications in gas storage and separation, small molecular sensing, and our perspectives for future applications triggered by MOFs, are also introduced.