M2(m-dobdc) (M = Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) Metal–Organic Frameworks Exhibiting Increased Charge Density and Enhanced H2 Binding at the Open Metal Sites

Highly Selective Bifunctional Luminescent Sensor toward Nitrobenzene and Cu2+ Ion Based on Microporous Metal-Organic Frameworks: Synthesis, Structures, and Properties

Two metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), namely, [Ni(DTP)(H₂O)]_n (I) and [Cd₂(DTP)₂(bibp)_1.5]_n (II) (H₂DPT = 4'-(4-(3,5-dicarboxylphenoxy) phenyl)-4,2':6',4″-terpyridine; bibp = 1,3-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)propane), that present structural diversity were solvothermally prepared. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that they consist of {NiN₂O₄} building units (for I) and {CdO₄N₂} and {CdO₃N₃} building units (for II), which are further linked by multicarboxylate H₂DPT to construct microporous three-dimensional frameworks. The remarkable character of these frameworks is that coordination polymer II demonstrates highly selective and sensitive bifunctional luminescent sensor toward nitrobenzene and Cu²⁺ ion. The fluorescence quenching mechanism of II caused by nitrobenzene is ascribed to electron transfer from electron-rich (II) to electron-deficient nitrobenzene. The result was also evidenced by the density functional theory. Furthermore, anti-ferromagnetic as well as electrochemical characters of Ni-MOF (I) were also investigated in this paper.

Capture of heavy hydrogen isotopes in a metal-organic framework with active Cu(I) sites

The production of pure deuterium and the removal of tritium from nuclear waste are the key challenges in separation of light isotopes. Presently, the technological methods are extremely energy- and cost-intensive. Here we report the capture of heavy hydrogen isotopes from hydrogen gas by selective adsorption at Cu(I) sites in a metal-organic framework. At the strongly binding Cu(I) sites (32 kJ mol^-1) nuclear quantum effects result in higher adsorption enthalpies of heavier isotopes. The capture mechanism takes place most efficiently at temperatures above 80 K, when an isotope exchange allows the preferential adsorption of heavy isotopologues from the gas phase. Large difference in adsorption enthalpy of 2.5 kJ mol^-1 between D₂ and H₂ results in D₂-over-H₂ selectivity of 11 at 100 K, to the best of our knowledge the largest value known to date. Combination of thermal desorption spectroscopy, Raman measurements, inelastic neutron scattering and first principles calculations for H₂/D₂ mixtures allows the prediction of selectivities for tritium-containing isotopologues.

Semiconductor Metal-Organic Frameworks: Future Low-Bandgap Materials

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with low density, high porosity, and easy tunability of functionality and structural properties, represent potential candidates for use as semiconductor materials. The rapid development of the semiconductor industry and the continuous miniaturization of feature sizes of integrated circuits toward the nanometer (nm) scale require novel semiconductor materials instead of traditional materials like silicon, germanium, and gallium arsenide etc. MOFs with advantageous properties of both the inorganic and the organic components promise to serve as the next generation of semiconductor materials for the microelectronics industry with the potential to be extremely stable, cheap, and mechanically flexible. Here, a perspective of recent research is provided, regarding the semiconducting properties of MOFs, bandgap studies, and their potential in microelectronic devices.

Rational Design of a Low-Cost, High-Performance Metal-Organic Framework for Hydrogen Storage and Carbon Capture

We present the in silico design of a MOF-74 analogue, hereon known as M2(DHFUMA) [M = Mg, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn], with enhanced small-molecule adsorption properties over the original M2(DOBDC) series. Constructed from 2,3-dihydroxyfumarate (DHFUMA), an aliphatic ligand which is smaller than the aromatic 2,5-dioxidobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylate (DOBDC), the M2(DHFUMA) framework has a reduced channel diameter, resulting in higher volumetric density of open metal sites and significantly improved volumetric hydrogen (H2) storage potential. Furthermore, the reduced distance between two adjacent open metal sites in the pore channel leads to a CO2 binding mode of one molecule per two adjacent metals with markedly stronger binding energetics. Through dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT) calculations of guest-framework interactions and classical simulation of the adsorption behavior of binary CO2:H2O mixtures, we theoretically predict the M2(DHFUMA) series as an improved alternative for carbon capture over the M2(DOBDC) series when adsorbing from wet flue gas streams. The improved CO2 uptake and humidity tolerance in our simulations is tunable based upon metal selection and adsorption temperature which, combined with the significantly reduced ligand expense, elevates this material's potential for CO2 capture and H2 storage. The dynamical and elastic stabilities of Mg2(DHFUMA) were verified by hybrid DFT calculations, demonstrating its significant potential for experimental synthesis.

Tuning ethylene gas adsorption via metal node modulation: Cu-MOF-74 for a high ethylene deliverable capacity

Co and Cu-MOF-74s are promising candidates for efficient ethylene abatement or storage and delivery, respectively.

Liquid-phase oxidation of alkylaromatics to aromatic ketones with molecular oxygen over a Mn-based metal–organic framework

A microporous Mn-based metal–organic framework (Mn-MOF-74) acts as a heterogeneous catalyst active for liquid-phase oxidation of alkylaromatics with molecular O₂.

Controlling Thermal Expansion: A Metal-Organic Frameworks Route

Controlling thermal expansion is an important, not yet resolved, and challenging problem in materials research. A conceptual design is introduced here, for the first time, for the use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as platforms for controlling thermal expansion devices that can operate in the negative, zero, and positive expansion regimes. A detailed computer simulation study, based on molecular dynamics, is presented to support the targeted application. MOF-5 has been selected as model material, along with three molecules of similar size and known differences in terms of the nature of host-guest interactions. It has been shown that adsorbate molecules can control, in a colligative way, the thermal expansion of the solid, so that changing the adsorbate molecules induces the solid to display positive, zero, or negative thermal expansion. We analyze in depth the distortion mechanisms, beyond the ligand metal junction, to cover the ligand distortions, and the energetic and entropic effect on the thermo-structural behavior. We provide an unprecedented atomistic insight on the effect of adsorbates on the thermal expansion of MOFs as a basic tool toward controlling the thermal expansion.

Regulation of NO Uptake in Flexible Ru Dimer Chain Compounds with Highly Electron Donating Dopants

On-demand design of porous frameworks for selective capture of specific gas molecules, including toxic gas molecules such as nitric oxide (NO), is a very important theme in the research field of molecular porous materials. Herein, we report the achievement of highly selective NO adsorption through chemical doping in a framework (i.e., solid solution approach): the highly electron donating unit [Ru₂(o-OMePhCO₂)₄] (o-OMePhCO₂^- = o-anisate) was transplanted into the structurally flexible chain framework [Ru₂(4-Cl-2-OMePhCO₂)₄(phz)] (0; 4-Cl-2-OMePhCO₂^- = 4-chloro-o-anisate and phz = phenazine) to obtain a series of doped compounds, [{Ru₂(4-Cl-2-OMePhCO₂)₄}_1-x{Ru₂(o-OMePhCO₂)₄}_x(phz)] (x = 0.34, 0.44, 0.52, 0.70, 0.81, 0.87), with [Ru₂(o-OMePhCO₂)₄(phz)] (1) as x = 1. The original compound 1 was made purely from a "highly electron donating unit" but had no adsorption capability for gases because of its nonporosity. Meanwhile, the partial transplant of the electronically advantageous [Ru₂(o-OMePhCO₂)₄] unit with x = 0.34-0.52 in 0 successfully enhanced the selective adsorption capability of NO in an identical structurally flexible framework; an uptake at 95 kPa that was 1.7-3 mol/[Ru₂] unit higher than that of the original 0 compound was achieved (121 K). The solid solution approach is an efficient means of designing purposeful porous frameworks.

Structures of Metal-Organic Frameworks with Rod Secondary Building Units

Rod MOFs are metal-organic frameworks in which the metal-containing secondary building units consist of infinite rods of linked metal-centered polyhedra. For such materials, we identify the points of extension, often atoms, which define the interface between the organic and inorganic components of the structure. The pattern of points of extension defines a shape such as a helix, ladder, helical ribbon, or cylinder tiling. The linkage of these shapes into a three-dimensional framework in turn defines a net characteristic of the original structure. Some scores of rod MOF structures are illustrated and deconstructed into their underlying nets in this way. Crystallographic data for all nets in their maximum symmetry embeddings are provided.

In silico design and screening of hypothetical MOF-74 analogs and their experimental synthesis

We present the in silico design of MOFs exhibiting 1-dimensional rod topologies by enumerating MOF-74-type analogs based on the PubChem Compounds database. We simulate the adsorption behavior of CO₂ in the generated analogs and experimentally validate a novel MOF-74 analog, Mg₂(olsalazine).

In this work we present the in silico design of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibiting 1-dimensional rod topologies. We introduce an algorithm for construction of this family of MOF topologies, and illustrate its application for enumerating MOF-74-type analogs. Furthermore, we perform a broad search for new linkers that satisfy the topological requirements of MOF-74 and consider the largest database of known chemical space for organic compounds, the PubChem database. Our in silico crystal assembly, when combined with dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT) calculations, is demonstrated to generate a hypothetical library of open-metal site containing MOF-74 analogs in the 1-D rod topology from which we can simulate the adsorption behavior of CO₂. We finally conclude that these hypothetical structures have synthesizable potential through computational identification and experimental validation of a novel MOF-74 analog, Mg₂(olsalazine).

Grasping hydrogen adsorption and dynamics in metal-organic frameworks using (2)H solid-state NMR

Record greenhouse gas emissions have spurred the search for clean energy sources such as hydrogen (H2) fuel cells. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising H2 adsorption and storage media, but knowledge of H2 dynamics and adsorption strengths in these materials is lacking. Variable-temperature (VT) (2)H solid-state NMR (SSNMR) experiments targeting (2)H2 gas (i.e., D2) shed light on D2 adsorption and dynamics within six representative MOFs: UiO-66, M-MOF-74 (M = Zn, Mg, Ni), and α-M3(COOH)6 (M = Mg, Zn). D2 binding is relatively strong in Mg-MOF-74, Ni-MOF-74, α-Mg3(COOH)6, and α-Zn3(COOH)6, giving rise to broad (2)H SSNMR powder patterns. In contrast, D2 adsorption is weaker in UiO-66 and Zn-MOF-74, as evidenced by the narrow (2)H resonances that correspond to rapid reorientation of the D2 molecules. Employing (2)H SSNMR experiments in this fashion holds great promise for the correlation of MOF structural features and functional groups/metal centers to H2 dynamics and host-guest interactions.

Central-metal exchange, improved catalytic activity, photoluminescence properties of a new family of d10 coordination polymers based on the 5,5′-(1H-2,3,5-triazole-1,4-diyl)diisophthalic acid ligand

Five d¹⁰ coordination polymers (CPs) have been successfully isolated. Central-metal exchange in CP 2 leads to a series of isostructural M(ii)–Cd CPs (M = Cu, Co, Ni) showing improved catalytic activity.

The effects of framework dynamics on the behavior of water adsorbed in the [Zn(l-L)(Cl)] and Co-MOF-74 metal–organic frameworks

Density distributions of water molecules in the pores of the [Zn(l-L)(Cl)] metal–organic framework.

Dynamics of H2 adsorbed in porous materials as revealed by computational analysis of inelastic neutron scattering spectra

This perspective article reviews the different types of quantum and classical mechanical methods that have been implemented to interpret the INS spectra for H₂ adsorbed in porous materials.

Adsorption of two gas molecules at a single metal site in a metal–organic framework

One strategy to markedly increase the gas storage capacity of metal–organic frameworks is to introduce coordinatively-unsaturated metal centers capable of binding multiple gas molecules.

Rational construction of functional molybdenum (tungsten)–copper–sulfur coordination oligomers and polymers from preformed cluster precursors

Discrete Mo(W)–Cu–S clusters are used as precursors and building blocks for a diverse array of cluster-supported coordination oligomers and polymers.

Using neutron powder diffraction and first-principles calculations to understand the working mechanisms of porous coordination polymer sorbents

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising solid sorbents, showing gas selectivity and uptake capacities relevant to many important applications, notably in the energy sector. To improve and tailor the sorption properties of these materials for such applications, it is necessary to gain an understanding of their working mechanisms at the atomic and molecular scale. Specifically, it is important to understand how features such as framework porosity, topology, chemical functionality and flexibility underpin sorbent behaviour and performance. Such information is obtained through interrogation of structure–function relationships, with neutron powder diffraction (NPD) being a particularly powerful characterization tool. The combination of NPD with first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations enables a deep understanding of the sorption mechanisms, and the resulting insights can direct the future development of MOF sorbents. In this paper, experimental approaches and investigations of two example MOFs are summarized, which demonstrate the type of information and the understanding into their functional mechanisms that can be gained. Such information is critical to the strategic design of new materials with targeted gas-sorption properties.

Biphenyl-2,4,6,3',5'-pentacarboxylic acid as a tecton for six new Co(II) coordination polymers: pH and N-donor ligand-dependent assemblies, structure diversities and magnetic properties

Six new Co(ii)-based mixed-ligand coordination polymers, namely, [Co2(H3bppc)2(2,2'-bpy)4]·H2O (), [Co2(Hbppc)(2,2'-bpy)2(H2O)]·H2O (), [Co(H2bppc)(H-bpp)]·2H2O (), [Co3(μ3-OH)(bppc)(dps)(CH3CH2OH)]·4H2O (), [Co2(bppc)(bib)(H2O)4]·(H2-bib)0.5·(H2O)3 (), and [Co2(Hbppc)(bix)2]·2H2O (), (H5bppc = biphenyl-2,4,6,3',5'-pentacarboxylic acid, 2,2'-bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, bpp = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane, dps = 4,4'-sulfanediyldipyridine, bib = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-yl)benzene, bix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene), have been obtained under solvothermal conditions. exhibits a 3D supramolecular framework based on a [Co2(H3bppc)2(2,2'-bpy)4] unit. has a (3,4)-connected dmc net with a (4·8(2))(4·8(5)) topology containing alternate binuclear metal clusters and single metal centres. shows a 3D supramolecular architecture constructed from ladder-like arrays decorated with H-bpp. exhibits a binodal (5,7)-connected 3D network based on trinuclear [Co3(μ3-OH)](5+) units with an unusual (3·4(6)·5(2)·6)(3(2)·4(6)·5(7)·6(5)·7) topology. features a (4,6)-connected 3D fsc open framework with binuclear [Co2(H2O)(COO)](3+) units as nodes, and H2-bib and water molecules located in the voids of its framework by hydrogen bonds. possesses a 3D net containing unusual 2D polyrotaxane sheets. Topological analysis reveals that has a (3,4,4)-connected 3D network with a (4·6·7(4))(4·6·7)(6·7(2)·10(2)·11) topology. The structural difference of and is due to the different pH values of the reaction system. Though complexes were synthesised under similar reaction conditions, the carboxylic groups of H5bppc were partially deprotonated in , and and fully deprotonated in and . Complexes display diverse structures depending on different N-donor ligands and the coordination modes of the multicarboxylate ligand. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that complexes show antiferromagnetic interactions.

Hydrogen Storage Materials for Mobile and Stationary Applications: Current State of the Art

One of the limitations to the widespread use of hydrogen as an energy carrier is its storage in a safe and compact form. Herein, recent developments in effective high-capacity hydrogen storage materials are reviewed, with a special emphasis on light compounds, including those based on organic porous structures, boron, nitrogen, and aluminum. These elements and their related compounds hold the promise of high, reversible, and practical hydrogen storage capacity for mobile applications, including vehicles and portable power equipment, but also for the large scale and distributed storage of energy for stationary applications. Current understanding of the fundamental principles that govern the interaction of hydrogen with these light compounds is summarized, as well as basic strategies to meet practical targets of hydrogen uptake and release. The limitation of these strategies and current understanding is also discussed and new directions proposed.

Understanding of the low temperature auto-oxidation scheme of sec-alcohols based on a Cu(ii)-MOF with open metal sites

Confirmation of a low temperaturesec-alcohol auto-oxidation scheme based on a Cu(ii)-MOF with metal open sites.

Gas–liquid segmented flow microwave-assisted synthesis of MOF-74(Ni) under moderate pressures

A representation of the continuous flow microwave-assisted synthesis of the metal organic framework, MOF-74(Ni). Precursor solutions flow through a microwave nucleation zone leading to the formation of MOF-74(Ni).