Rapid mechanochemical synthesis of metal-organic frameworks using exogenous organic base

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) bearing coordinatively unsaturated metal centers, exemplified by the MOF-74 family of frameworks, are promising for applications ranging from gas separations and storage to Lewis acid catalysis. However, the scalable synthesis of MOF-74 analogues remains a significant challenge. Recently, mechanochemistry has emerged as a sustainable strategy for the preparation of MOFs in the solid state with minimal solvent waste. Mechanochemical methods typically rely on metal salts bearing basic anions to deprotonate the conjugate acid of the organic linker and a small amount of organic solvent or water to facilitate liquid assisted grinding. Here, we demonstrate that the liquid exogenous organic base Hünig's base (N,N-diisopropylethylamine) can fulfill both roles, enabling the mechanochemical synthesis of M2(dobdc) analogues (M = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn; dobdc4- = 2,5-dioxidobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylate) using metal nitrate salts in only 5 minutes at room temperature. Importantly, we demonstrate that this straightforward method can be generalized to prepare the isomeric framework Mg2(m-dobdc) (m-dobdc4- = 2,4-dioxidobenzene-1,5-dicarboxylate) and the expanded framework Mg2(dobpdc) (dobpdc4- = 4,4'-dioxidobiphenyl-3,3'-dicarboxylate) under solvent-free conditions for the first time. The MOFs prepared using this method possess high crystallinities and surface areas, with the Mg2(m-dobdc) prepared herein representing the first reported permanently porous variant of this framework. This new sustainable mechanochemical synthesis of MOF-74 analogues should enable their preparation on a large scale for industrial applications.

Deciphering the Weak CO2···Framework Interactions in Microporous MOFs Functionalized with Strong Adsorption Sites-A Ubiquitous Observation

Carbon capture from industrial effluents such as flue gas or natural gas mixture (cf. landfill gas), the primary sources of CO₂ emission, greatly aids in balancing the environmental carbon cycle. In this context, the most energy-efficient physisorptive CO₂ separation process can benefit immensely from improved porous sorbents. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs), especially the ultramicroporous MOFs, built from readily available small and rigid ligands, are highly promising because of their high selectivity (CO₂/N₂) and easy scalability. Here, we report two new ultramicroporous Co-adeninato isophthalate MOFs. They concomitantly carry basic functional groups (-NH₂) and Lewis acidic sites (coordinatively unsaturated Co centers). They show good CO₂ capacity (3.3 mmol/g at 303 K and 1 bar) along with high CO₂/N₂ (∼600 at 313 K and 1 bar and ∼340 at 303 K and 1 bar) selectivity, working capacity, and smooth diffusion kinetics (D_c = 7.5 × 10^-9 m² s^-1). The MOFs exhibit good CO₂/N₂ kinetic separation under both dry and wet conditions with a smooth breakthrough profile. Despite their well-defined CO₂ adsorption sites, these MOFs exhibit only a moderately strong interaction with CO₂ as evidenced from their HOA values. This counterintuitive observation is ubiquitous among many MOFs adorned with strong CO₂ adsorption sites. To gain insights, we have identified the binding sites for CO₂ using simulation and MD studies. The radial distribution function analysis reveals that despite the amine and bare-metal sites, the pore size and the pore structure determine the positions for the CO₂ molecules. The most favorable sites become the confined spaces lined by aromatic rings. A plausible explanation for the lack of strong adsorption in these MOFs is premised from these collective studies, which could aid in the future design of superior CO₂ sorbents.

The "Chemistree" of Porous Coordination Networks: Taxonomic Classification of Porous Solids to Guide Crystal Engineering Studies

New approaches to gas/vapor storage and purification are urgently needed to address the large energy footprint, cost, and/or risk associated with existing technologies. In this context, new classes of porous physisorbents, exemplified by porous coordination networks (PCNs), have emerged. There are now >100 000 entries in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) metal-organic framework (MOF) subset and the rate of publication, >5000 per year, grows unabatedly. The number of PCNs makes it infeasible to test all of them for sorption performance and it is therefore timely to introduce a classification approach based upon taxonomy to supplement topological classification of PCNs. This taxonomic approach complements existing databases such as the CSD and enable the design (crystal engineering) of new families of PCNs. It also categorizes existing PCNs in a manner useful to crystal engineers. The internal consistency of the taxonomic approach is verified by case studies of several well-known PCNs whereas its utility is demonstrated upon understudied topologies and hard-to-rationalize infinite rod building blocks. Overall, taxonomic classification enables a traffic light system to direct crystal engineers towards finding a "needle in haystack," that is, a family (platform) of PCNs that is amenable to crystal engineering and systematic structure/property studies.

Realization of Ethylene Production from Its Quaternary Mixture through Metal-Organic Framework Materials

Ethylene production from oxidative coupling of methane is a sustainable and economically attractive alternative to that through traditional hydrocarbon cracking technology. However, efficient ethylene separation from the complex reaction mixture is a daunting challenge that hinders the practical adoption of this technology. Herein, we report the efficient adsorptive separation of the CH₄/CO₂/C₂H₄/C₂H₆ mixture using three representative metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) (UTSA-74, MOF-74, and HKUST-1) with diverse open metal sites. The efficient separation relies on tuning the selectivity through the convergence of characteristics including Lewis acidity of open metal sites, pore space, and cooperative binding behavior. The separation performance of these materials has been evaluated through single-component gas adsorption and dynamic breakthrough experiments. HKUST-1 provides the highest separation potential (4.1 mmol/g) thanks to its simultaneously high ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) selectivity and ethylene adsorption capacity, representing a benchmark material for such a challenging quaternary separation.

Electrostatically Driven Selective Adsorption of Carbon Dioxide over Acetylene in an Ultramicroporous Material

Separating acetylene from carbon dioxide is important but highly challenging owing to their similar physical properties and molecular dimensions. Herein, we report highly efficient electrostatically driven CO2 /C2 H2 separation in an ultramicroporous cadmium nitroprusside (Cd-NP) with compact pore space and complementary electrostatic potential well fitting for CO2 , thus enabling molecular quadrupole moment recognition of CO2 over C2 H2 . This material shows a high CO2 /C2 H2 uptake ratio of 6.0 as well as remarkable CO2 /C2 H2 selectivity of 85 under ambient conditions with modest CO2 heat of adsorption. Neutron powder diffraction experiments and molecular simulations revealed that the electrostatic potential compatibility between pore structure and CO2 allows it to be trapped in a head-on orientation towards the Cd center, whereas the diffusion of C2 H2 is electrostatically forbidden. Dynamic breakthrough experiments have validated the separation performance of this compound for CO2 /C2 H2 separation.

Properties and Detailed Adsorption of CO2 by M2(dobpdc) with N,N-Dimethylethylenediamine Functionalization

We have systematically investigated the CO₂ adsorption performance and microscopic mechanism of N,N-dimethylethylenediamine (mm-2) appended M₂(dobpdc) (dobpdc^4- = 4,4'-dioxidobiphenyl-3,3'-dicarboxylate; M = Mg, Sc-Zn) with density functional theory. These calculations show that the mm-2 has strong interactions with the open metal site of these structures via the first amine, and the mm-2 binding energies are generally between 123 and 172 kJ/mol. After the CO₂ is attached, the ammonium carbamate molecule is created by insertion. The CO₂ adsorption energies (31-81 kJ/mol) depend on the metal used (Mg; Sc-Zn). The microscopic mechanism of the CO₂ adsorption process is presented at the atomic level, and the detailed potential energy surface and reaction path information are provided. The CO₂ molecule and mm-2 grafted M₂(dobpdc) are firstly combined via physical interactions, and then, the complex is converted into an N-coordinated zwitterion intermediate over a large energy barrier (1.02-1.51 eV). Finally, the structure is rearranged into a stable ammonium carbamate configuration through a small energy barrier (0.05-0.25 eV). We hope that this research will contribute to the understanding and production of real-world carbon capture materials.

Understanding the opportunities of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for CO2 capture and gas-phase CO2 conversion processes: a comprehensive overview

The rapid increase in the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide is one of the most pressing problems facing our planet.

Precise regulating synergistic effect in metal–organic framework for stepwise-controlled adsorption

MAC-20 shows a unique two-step pore-shape change and executes a stepwise-controlled adsorption of dyes mixture in order of their sizes.

MOF-74-type frameworks: tunable pore environment and functionality through metal and ligand modification

This highlight demonstrates a comprehensive overview of MOF-74-type frameworks in terms of synthetic approaches and pre- or post-synthetic modification approaches.

Impact of Small Adsorbates in the Vibrational Spectra of Mg- and Zn-MOF-74 Revealed by First-Principles Calculations

In this work, we analyze the influence of small adsorbates on the vibrational spectra of Mg- and Zn-metal-organic framework MOF-74 by means of first-principles calculations. In particular, we consider the adsorption of four representative species of different interaction strengths: Ar, CO₂, H₂O, and NH₃. Apart from a comprehensive characterization of the structural and energetic aspects of empty and loaded MOFs, we use a fully quantum ab initio approach to evaluate the Raman and IR activities of the normal modes, leading to the construction of the whole vibrational spectra. Under this approach, not only are we able to proceed with the complete assignment of the spectra in terms of the usual internal coordinates but also we can discern the most relevant vibrational fingerprints of the adsorbates and their impact on the whole MOF spectra. On the one hand, some of the typical vibrational modes of the small molecules are slightly shifted but still visible when adsorbed on the MOFs, especially those appearing at high wavenumbers where the empty MOFs lack IR/Raman signals. On the other hand, some bands arising from the organic ligands are affected by the presence of the absorbates, displaying non-negligible frequency shifts, in agreement with recent experiments. We find a strong correlation between all of these frequency shifts and the interaction strength of the adsorbate with the hosting framework. The findings presented in this work expand the capabilities of vibrational spectroscopy techniques to analyze porous materials and can be useful for the design of sensors and new devices based on MOF technology.

Formation Mechanism of Ammonium Carbamate for CO2 Uptake in N,N'-Dimethylethylenediamine Grafted M2(dobpdc)

The adsorption properties and formation mechanism of ammonium carbamate for CO₂ capture in N,N'-dimethylethylenediamine (mmen) grafted M₂(dobpdc) (dobpdc^4- = 4,4'-dioxidobiphenyl-3,3'-dicarboxylate; M = Mg, Sc-Zn, except Ni) have been studied via density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We see that the mmen molecule is joined to the metal site via a M-N bond and has hydrogen bonding with neighboring mmen molecules. The binding energies of mmen range from 135.4 to 184.0 kJ/mol. CO₂ is captured via insertion into the M-N bond of mmen-M₂(dobpdc), forming ammonium carbamate. The CO₂ binding energies (35.2 to 92.2 kJ/mol) vary with different metal centers. Furthermore, the Bader charge analysis shows that the CO₂ molecules acquire 0.42 to 0.47 |e|. This charge is mainly contributed by the mmen, and a small additional amount is from the metal atom bonded with the CO₂. The preferred reaction pathway is a two-step reaction. In the first step, the hydrogen bonded complex B changes into an N-coordinated intermediate D with high barriers (0.69 to 1.58 eV). The next step involves the translation and rotation of the chain in the intermediate D, resulting in the formation of the final O-coordinated product I with barriers of 0.22 to 0.61 eV. The higher barriers of CO₂ reaction with mmen-M₂(dobpdc) relative to attack the primary amine might be due to the larger steric hindrance of mmen. We hope this work will contribute to an improved understanding and development of future amine-grafted materials for efficient CO₂ capture.

Two-dimensional diamine-linked covalent organic frameworks for CO2/N2 capture and separation: theoretical modeling and simulations

Two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D-COFs) with diamine-based linkers have been designed and investigated for CO2/N2 gaseous mixture adsorption and separation via a systematic theoretical study by combining density functional theory (DFT) calculations and force field-based molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We explored the adsorption sites and adsorption energies of CO2/N2 on 2D-COFs. The gas uptake capacity, adsorption isotherms, permeability, and selectivity were simulated based on an improved formulation of force fields for mixture separation in post-combustion conditions. This theoretical approach provided atomistic understanding and quantitative description of intermolecular interactions governing the physisorption dynamics of the considered systems. The results suggest that 2D-COFs investigated in this study are competitive with other 2D materials for carbon capture and separation and can be considered as alternative molecular sieving materials offering efficient and rapid separation and adsorption of different molecules.

On Topological Descriptors of Certain Metal-Organic Frameworks

Topological indices are numerical numbers that represent the topology of a molecule and are calculated from the graphical depiction of the molecule. The importance of topological indices is due to their use as descriptors in QSPR/QSAR modeling. QSPRs (quantitative structure-property relationships) and QSARs (quantitative structure-activity relationships) are mathematical correlations between a specified molecular property or biological activity and one or more physicochemical and/or molecular structural properties. In this paper, we give explicit expressions of some degree-based topological indices of two classes of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), namely, butylated hydroxytoluene- (BHT-) based metal-organic ( $\text{M}=\text{Co}$ , Fe, Mn, Cr) (MBHT) frameworks and ${\text{M}}_1\text{TPyP}-{\text{M}}_2$ (TPyP =  $\mathrm{5,10,15,20}$ -tetrakis(4-pyridyl)porphyrin and ${\text{M}}_1,{\text{M}}_2$  = Fe and Co) MOFs.

Porous Metal-Organic Polyhedra: Morphology, Porosity, and Guest Binding

Designing porous materials which can selectively adsorb CO₂ or CH₄ is an important environmental and industrial goal which requires an understanding of the host–guest interactions involved at the atomic scale. Metal–organic polyhedra (MOPs) showing permanent porosity upon desolvation are rarely observed. We report a family of MOPs (Cu-1a, Cu-1b, Cu-2), which derive their permanent porosity from cavities between packed cages rather than from within the polyhedra. Thus, for Cu-1a, the void fraction outside the cages totals 56% with only 2% within. The relative stabilities of these MOP structures are rationalized by considering their weak nondirectional packing interactions using Hirshfeld surface analyses. The exceptional stability of Cu-1a enables a detailed structural investigation into the adsorption of CO₂ and CH₄ using in situ X-ray and neutron diffraction, coupled with DFT calculations. The primary binding sites for adsorbed CO₂ and CH₄ in Cu-1a are found to be the open metal sites and pockets defined by the faces of phenyl rings. More importantly, the structural analysis of a hydrated sample of Cu-1a reveals a strong hydrogen bond between the adsorbed CO₂ molecule and the Cu(II)-bound water molecule, shedding light on previous empirical and theoretical observations that partial hydration of metal−organic framework (MOF) materials containing open metal sites increases their uptake of CO₂. The results of the crystallographic study on MOP–gas binding have been rationalized using DFT calculations, yielding individual binding energies for the various pore environments of Cu-1a.

We report a family of metal−organic polyhedra (MOP), which derive their permanent porosity from cavities between packed cages rather than from within the polyhedra. The relative stabilities of these MOP structures are rationalized by considering their weak nondirectional packing interactions using Hirshfeld surface analysis. A detailed structural investigation into the adsorption of CO₂ and CH₄ is reported using in situ X-ray and neutron diffraction, coupled with DFT calculations.

Bimetallic metal-organic frameworks anchored corncob-derived porous carbon photocatalysts for synergistic degradation of organic pollutants

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising for photocatalysis owing to their excellent structure and performance. Unfortunately, poor stability in both aqueous solutions and high temperatures and lack of adsorption centers during reactions limit their practical applications. Herein, a bimetallic MOF anchored corncob calcined derived activated carbon (CCAC) was successfully prepared by a one-step solvothermal method. Benefiting from unique structures and synergetic effect, the porous carbon provided a high specific surface area for stable MOF support and served as an organic pollutant buffer-reservoir, which was advantageous for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. The optimized MOF/CCAC-5 samples possessed excellent visible light degradation rate, i.e., 100% for Rh B, more than 96% for six mixed dyes, and 98% for tetracycline. This prominent photocatalytic activity was caused by active species, including photoelectrons (e^-), photo-holes (h⁺) and superoxide free radicals (•O^2-). The transient photocurrent response and electrochemical impedance tests showed that MOF/CCAC-5 exhibited a relatively high charge separation and low carrier recombination rate. Cyclic and simulation experiments indicated high reusability, stability and universality of the composite photocatalysts. These exciting results provide new pathways for the fabrication of MOFs anchored porous carbon materials.

Elucidation of the Underlying Mechanism of CO2 Capture by Ethylenediamine-Functionalized M2(dobpdc) (M = Mg, Sc-Zn)

We, for the first time, systematically investigated the crystal structures, adsorption properties, and microscopic mechanism of CO₂ capture with ethylenediamine (en)-appended isostructural M₂(dobpdc) materials (M = Mg, Sc-Zn), using spin polarized density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The binding energies of en range from 142 to 210 kJ/mol. The weakest binding materials are en-Cr₂(dobpdc) and en-Cu₂(dobpdc). Two typical models, the pair model and the chain model, have been considered for CO₂ adsorption. Generally, the chain model is more stable than the pair model. The CO₂ adsorption energies of the chain model are in the range of 30-96 kJ/mol, with a strong metal dependence. Among these, the en-Sc₂(dobpdc) and en-Cu₂(dobpdc) have the highest and lowest CO₂ adsorption energies, respectively. Moreover, the dynamic progress of CO₂ adsorption has been unveiled via exploration of the full reaction pathway, including transition states and intermediates. First, the CO₂ molecule interacts with en-MOFs to form a physisorbed complex with a shallow potential well. This is followed by overcoming a relatively large energy barrier to form a chemisorbed complex. Finally, ammonium carbamate is formed along the one-dimensional channels within the pore with a small energy barrier for configuration transformation. These results agree well with the experimental observations. Understanding the detailed microscopic mechanism of CO₂ capture is quite crucial for improving our fundamental knowledge base and potential future applications. This work will improve our understanding of CO₂ adsorption with amine functionalized MOFs. We expect our results to stimulate future experimental and theoretical research and advance the development of this field.

Effect of Larger Pore Size on the Sorption Properties of Isoreticular Metal-Organic Frameworks with High Number of Open Metal Sites

Four isostructural CPO-54-M metal-organic frameworks based on the larger organic linker 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid and divalent cations (M=Mn, Mg, Ni, Co) are shown to be isoreticular to the CPO-27 (MOF-74) materials. Desolvated CPO-54-Mn contains a very high concentration of open metal sites, which has a pronounced effect on the gas adsorption of N2 , H2 , CO2 and CO. Initial isosteric heats of adsorption are significantly higher than for MOFs without open metal sites and are slightly higher than for CPO-27. The plateau of high heat of adsorption decreases earlier in CPO-54-Mn as a function of loading per mole than in CPO-27-Mn. Cluster and periodic density functional theory based calculations of the adsorbate structures and energetics show that the larger adsorption energy at low loadings, when only open metal sites are occupied, is mainly due to larger contribution of dispersive interactions for the materials with the larger, more electron rich bridging ligand.

Bimetallic Rod-Packing Metal-Organic Framework Combining Two Charged Forms of 2-Hydroxyterephthalic Acid

Although many rod-packing metal-organic frameworks are known, few are based on ordered heterometallic rod building unit. We show here the synthesis of CPM-76 based on an unprecedented Zn-Mg bimetallic rod with crystallographically distinguishable metal sites. The configuration of the rod offers two types of coordination site with trigonal bipyramidal and octahedral sites selectively occupied by Zn and Mg, respectively. Also unusual is the inter-connection mode between the rods, which is based on dual-charged forms (-3 and -2) of the 2-hydroxyterephthalic acid (H₃ OBDC) ligand. Interestingly, each metal site in CPM-76 binds one solvent molecule, leading to a high density of solvent binding sites.

Probing dynamics of carbon dioxide in a metal-organic framework under high pressure by high-resolution solid-state NMR

The application of high-resolution NMR analysis for CO2 adsorbed in a MOF under high pressure is reported for the first time. The results showed that CO2 adsorbed in MOF-74 had an unusually slow mobility (τ ∼ 10-8 s). CO2-CO2 interactions suppressed the mobility of CO2 under high pressure, which, in turn, would have contributed to the stability of CO2 at the adsorption sites.

Luminescent Properties of DOBDC Containing MOFs: The Role of Free Hydroxyls

A novel metal-organic framework (MOF), Mn-DOBDC, has been synthesized in an effort to investigate the role of both the metal center and presence of free linker hydroxyls on the luminescent properties of DOBDC (2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid) containing MOFs. Co-MOF-74, RE-DOBDC (RE-Eu and Tb), and Mn-DOBDC have been synthesized and analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and the fluorescent properties probed by UV-Vis spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT). Mn-DOBDC has been synthesized by a new method involving a concurrent facile reflux synthesis and slow crystallization, resulting in yellow single crystals in monoclinic space group C2/c. Mn-DOBDC was further analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and photoluminescent emission. Results indicate that the luminescent properties of the DOBDC linker are transferred to the three-dimensional structures of both the RE-DOBDC and Mn-DOBDC, which contain free hydroxyls on the linker. In Co-MOF-74 however, luminescence is quenched in the solid state due to binding of the phenolic hydroxyls within the MOF structure. Mn-DOBDC exhibits a ligand-based tunable emission that can be controlled in solution by the use of different solvents.

Neutron diffraction structural study of CO2 binding in mixed-metal CPM-200 metal-organic frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks featuring open metal coordination sites have been widely studied for the separation of gas mixtures. For CO2/N2 separations, these materials have shown considerable promise. Herein, we report the characterization of a subset of the well-known PCN-250 class of frameworks upon CO2 adsorption via powder neutron diffraction methods. Noteably, in contrast to previously reported data, they display only moderate CO2 adsorption enthalpies, based on metal cation-CO2 interactions. Further, we show charge balance in these materials is likely achieved via ligand vacancies rather than the presence of μ3-OH groups in the trimetallic cluster that comprises them.

Insights into the Gas Adsorption Mechanisms in Metal-Organic Frameworks from Classical Molecular Simulations

Classical molecular simulations can provide significant insights into the gas adsorption mechanisms and binding sites in various metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These simulations involve assessing the interactions between the MOF and an adsorbate molecule by calculating the potential energy of the MOF-adsorbate system using a functional form that generally includes nonbonded interaction terms, such as the repulsion/dispersion and permanent electrostatic energies. Grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) is the most widely used classical method that is carried out to simulate gas adsorption and separation in MOFs and identify the favorable adsorbate binding sites. In this review, we provide an overview of the GCMC methods that are normally utilized to perform these simulations. We also describe how a typical force field is developed for the MOF, which is required to compute the classical potential energy of the system. Furthermore, we highlight some of the common analysis techniques that have been used to determine the locations of the preferential binding sites in these materials. We also review some of the early classical molecular simulation studies that have contributed to our working understanding of the gas adsorption mechanisms in MOFs. Finally, we show that the implementation of classical polarization for simulations in MOFs can be necessary for the accurate modeling of an adsorbate in these materials, particularly those that contain open-metal sites. In general, molecular simulations can provide a great complement to experimental studies by helping to rationalize the favorable MOF-adsorbate interactions and the mechanism of gas adsorption.

Biomimetic O2 adsorption in an iron metal-organic framework for air separation

Bio-inspired motifs for gas binding and small molecule activation can be used to design more selective adsorbents for gas separation applications. Here, we report an iron metal–organic framework, Fe-BTTri (Fe₃[(Fe₄Cl)₃(BTTri)₈]₂·18CH₃OH, H₃BTTri = 1,3,5-tris(1H-1,2,3-triazol-5-yl)benzene), that binds O₂ in a manner similar to hemoglobin and therefore results in highly selective O₂ binding. As confirmed by gas adsorption studies and Mössbauer and infrared spectroscopy data, the exposed iron sites in the framework reversibly adsorb substantial amounts of O₂ at low temperatures by converting between high-spin, square-pyramidal Fe(ii) centers in the activated material to low-spin, octahedral Fe(iii)–superoxide sites upon gas binding. This change in both oxidation state and spin state observed in Fe-BTTri leads to selective and readily reversible O₂ binding, with the highest reported O₂/N₂ selectivity for any iron-based framework.

Bio-inspired motifs for gas binding and small molecule activation can be used to design more selective adsorbents for gas separation applications.

From partial to complete neutralization of 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid in the Li–Na system: crystal chemistry and electrochemical behavior of Na2Li2C8H2O6vs.Li

The 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid (H₄-p-DHT) is of special interest in the field of materials science because of the two symmetric sets of oxygen donor functional groups (i.e., β-hydroxy acid moieties).

A facile synthesis of layered double hydroxide based core@shell hybrid materials

A simple and scalable co-precipitation method to obtain zeolite Z13X@Mg₂Al–CO₃-LDH and Mg-MOF-74@Mg₂Al–CO₃-LDH has been reported.

Emerging trends in porous materials for CO2 capture and conversion

This review highlights the recent progress in porous materials (MOFs, zeolites, POPs, nanoporous carbons, and mesoporous materials) for CO₂ capture and conversion.

Understanding How Ligand Functionalization Influences CO2 and N2 Adsorption in a Sodalite Metal-Organic Framework

In this work, a detailed study is conducted to understand how ligand substitution influences the CO2 and N2 adsorption properties of two highly crystalline sodalite metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) known as Cu-BTT (BTT-3 = 1,3,5-benzenetristetrazolate) and Cu-BTTri (BTTri-3 = 1,3,5-benzenetristriazolate). The enthalpy of adsorption and observed adsorption capacities at a given pressure are significantly lower for Cu-BTTri compared to its tetrazole counterpart, Cu-BTT. In situ X-ray and neutron diffraction, which allow visualization of the CO2 and N2 binding sites on the internal surface of Cu-BTTri, provide insights into understanding the subtle differences. As expected, slightly elongated distances between the open Cu2+ sites and surface-bound CO2 in Cu-BTTri can be explained by the fact that the triazolate ligand is a better electron donor than the tetrazolate. The more pronounced Jahn-Teller effect in Cu-BTTri leads to weaker guest binding. The results of the aforementioned structural analysis were complemented by the prediction of the binding energies at each CO2 and N2 adsorption site by density functional theory calculations. In addition, variable temperature in situ diffraction measurements shed light on the fine structural changes of the framework and CO2 occupancies at different adsorption sites as a function of temperature. Finally, simulated breakthrough curves obtained for both sodalite MOFs demonstrate the materials' potential performance in dry postcombustion CO2 capture. The simulation, which considers both framework uptake capacity and selectivity, predicts better separation performance for Cu-BTT. The information obtained in this work highlights how ligand substitution can influence adsorption properties and hence provides further insights into the material optimization for important separations.

Mechano-chemical stability and water effect on gas selectivity in mixed-metal zeolitic imidazolate frameworks: a systematic investigation from van der Waals corrected density functional theory

A series of Zn/Cu Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) ZIF-202, -203, and -204 are systematically investigated by Density Functional Theory (DFT) with and without van der Waals (vdW) corrections.

Coordinatively unsaturated metal sites (open metal sites) in metal–organic frameworks: design and applications

The defined synthesis of OMS in MOFs is the basis for targeted functionalization through grafting, the coordination of weakly binding species and increased (supramolecular) interactions with guest molecules.

Carbon dioxide induced structural phase transition in metal–organic frameworks CPO-27

The framework of CO₂ saturated CPO-27 is deformed below 110 K into a superstructure of the original honeycomb structure.

Ab Initio Calculations for Molecule-Surface Interactions with Chemical Accuracy

Atomistic understanding of complex surface phenomena such as heterogeneous catalysis or storage and separation of energy-relevant gases in nanoporous materials (zeolites; metal-organic frameworks, MOFs) requires knowledge about reaction energies and energy barriers for elementary steps. This is difficult to obtain from experiment since the number of possible chemical, adsorption/desorption, and diffusion steps coupled to complex reaction networks is large, and so is the number of possible surface sites. Here is an important role of quantum chemistry which can provide rate and equilibrium constants for elementary steps "ab initio." To be useful, the predictions have to reach chemical accuracy (4 kJ/mol) which is difficult to achieve because realistic models of the surface systems may comprise of the order of a thousand atoms. While density functional theory (DFT) as a rule cannot be trusted to yield results within chemical accuracy limits, methods that are accurate enough (Coupled Cluster with Single, Double, and perturbative Triple Substitution, CCSD(T)) cannot be applied because of their exponential scaling with system size. This Account presents a hybrid high-level-low-level quantum method that combines DFT with dispersion for the full periodic system with second order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) for the reaction site within a mechanical embedding scheme. In addition, to check if MP2 is accurate enough, we calculate Coupled Cluster (CC) corrections with Single, Double, and perturbatively treated Triple substitutions (CCSD(T)) for sufficiently small models of the reaction site. This multilevel hybrid MP2:DFT-D+ΔCC method is shown to yield chemical accuracy for a set of 12 molecule-surface interaction systems for which reliable experimental data are available. For CO/MgO(001), the history of the experiment-theory comparison illustrates two problems: (i) Do experiment and theory look at the same surface site? (ii) Does theory calculate the same quantity as derived from experiment? The hybrid MP2:DFT-D+ΔCC data set generated includes the MgO(001) surface, the Mg₂(dobdc) metal-organic framework, and the proton forms of the CHA and MFI zeolites interacting with the H₂, N₂, CO, CO₂, CH₄, and C₂H₆ molecules. It serves two purposes. First, it will be useful for testing density functionals with respect to their performance for molecule-surface interactions. Second, it establishes the hybrid MP2:DFT-D+ΔCC method as a reliable and powerful tool for ab initio predictions of adsorption and reaction energies as well as energy barriers when testing reaction mechanisms. For adsorption of small molecules in MOFs, isotherm predictions have reached a level of accuracy that deviations between theoretical predictions and experiments indicate sample imperfections. For elementary steps of the industrially important methanol-to-olefin process, our hybrid MP2:PBE+D+ΔCC calculations yield rate constants in agreement with experiment within chemical accuracy limits, finally achieving for molecule-surface reactions which was possible so hitherto only for gas phase reactions involving not more than 10 atoms.