Tetranuclear CuII Cluster as the Ten Node Building Unit for the Construction of a Metal-Organic Framework for Efficient C2 H2 /CO2 Separation

Rational design of high nuclear copper cluster-based metal-organic frameworks has not been established yet. Herein, we report a novel MOF (FJU-112) with the ten-connected tetranuclear copper cluster [Cu₄ (PO₃ )₂ (μ₂ -H₂ O)₂ (CO₂ )₄ ] as the node which was capped by the deprotonated organic ligand of H₄ L (3,5-Dicarboxyphenylphosphonic acid). With BPE (1,2-Bis(4-pyridyl)ethane) as the pore partitioner, the pore spaces in the structure of FJU-112 were divided into several smaller cages and smaller windows for efficient gas adsorption and separation. FJU-112 exhibits a high separation performance for the C₂ H₂ /CO₂ separation, which were established by the temperature-dependent sorption isotherms and further confirmed by the lab-scale dynamic breakthrough experiments. The grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations (GCMC) studies show that its high C₂ H₂ /CO₂ separation performance is contributed to the strong π-complexation interactions between the C₂ H₂ molecules and framework pore surfaces, leading to its more C₂ H₂ uptakes over CO₂ molecules.

Self-assembly of colloidal metal-organic framework (MOF) particles

Self-assembly of colloidal particles into ordered superstructures enables the development of novel advanced materials for diverse applications such as photonics, electronics, sensing, energy conversion, energy storage, diagnosis, drug or gene delivery, and catalysis. Recently, polyhedral metal-organic framework (MOF) particles have been proposed as promising colloidal particles to form ordered superstructures, based on their colloidal stability, size-tunability, rich polyhedral shapes, porosity and multifunctionality. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of strategies for the self-assembly of colloidal MOF particles into ordered superstructures of different dimensionalities, highlighting some of their properties and applications, and sharing thoughts on the self-assembly of MOF particles.

De-Linker-Enabled Exceptional Volumetric Acetylene Storage Capacity and Benchmark C2 H2 /C2 H4 and C2 H2 /CO2 Separations in Metal-Organic Frameworks

An ideal adsorbent for separation requires optimizing both storage capacity and selectivity, but maximizing both or achieving a desired balance remain challenging. Herein, a de-linker strategy is proposed to address this issue for metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Broadly speaking, the de-linker idea targets a class of materials that may be viewed as being intermediate between zeolites and MOFs. Its feasibility is shown here by a series of ultra-microporous MOFs (SNNU-98-M, M=Mn, Co, Ni, Zn). SNNU-98 exhibit high volumetric C₂ H₂ uptake capacity under low and ambient pressures (175.3 cm³  cm^-3 @ 0.1 bar, 222.9 cm³  cm^-3 @ 1 bar, 298 K), as well as extraordinary selectivity (2405.7 for C₂ H₂ /C₂ H₄ , 22.7 for C₂ H₂ /CO₂ ). Remarkably, SNNU-98-Mn can efficiently separate C₂ H₂ from C₂ H₂ /CO₂ and C₂ H₂ /C₂ H₄ mixtures with a benchmark C₂ H₂ /C₂ H₄ (1/99) breakthrough time of 2325 min g^-1 , and produce 99.9999 % C₂ H₄ with a productivity up to 64.6 mmol g^-1 , surpassing values of reported MOF adsorbents.

Optimizing Acetylene Sorption through Induced-fit Transformations in a Chemically Stable Microporous Framework

Developing practical storage technologies for acetylene (C₂ H₂ ) is important but challenging because C₂ H₂ is useful but explosive. Here, a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) (FJI-H36) with adaptive channels was prepared. It can effectively capture C₂ H₂ (159.9 cm³  cm^-3 ) at 1 atm and 298 K, possessing a record-high storage density (561 g L^-1 ) but a very low adsorption enthalpy (28 kJ mol^-1 ) among all the reported MOFs. Structural analyses show that such excellent adsorption performance comes from the synergism of active sites, flexible framework, and matched pores; where the adsorbed-C₂ H₂ can drive FJI-H36 to undergo induced-fit transformations step by step, including deformation/reconstruction of channels, contraction of pores, and transformation of active sites, finally leading to dense packing of C₂ H₂ . Moreover, FJI-H36 has excellent chemical stability and recyclability, and can be prepared on a large scale, enabling it as a practical adsorbent for C₂ H₂ . This will provide a useful strategy for developing practical and efficient adsorbents for C₂ H₂ storage.

Rational Pore Design of a Cage-like Metal-Organic Framework for Efficient C2H2/CO2 Separation

Considering the importance of C₂H₂ in industry, it is of great significance to develop porous materials for efficient C₂H₂/CO₂ separation. Besides the high selectivity, the C₂H₂ adsorption capacity is another vital factor in C₂H₂/CO₂ separation. However, the "trade-off" between these two factors is still perplexing. Rational pore design of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has been proven to be an effective way to solve the above problem. In this work, we have appropriately combined three kinds of strategies in the design of the MOF (FJI-H33), i.e., the introduction of open metal sites, construction of cage-like cavities, and adjustment of moderate pore size. As anticipated, FJI-H33 exhibits both outstanding C₂H₂ adsorption capacity and high C₂H₂/CO₂ selectivity. At 298 K and 100 kPa, the C₂H₂ storage capacity of FJI-H33 is 154 cm³/g, while the CO₂ uptake is only 80 cm³/g. The ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) selectivity of C₂H₂/CO₂ (50:50) is calculated as high as 15.5 at 298 K. More importantly, the excellent practical separation performance was verified by breakthrough experiments. In addition, the calculation of adsorption sites and relevant energy by density functional theory (DFT) provides a good explanation for the excellent separation performance and pore design strategy.

Partial Linker Substitution Strategy to Construct a Quaternary HKUST-like MOF for Efficient Acetylene Storage and Separation

Multicomponent metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have received much attention as emerging materials capable of precisely programing exquisite structures and specific functions. Here, we applied a partial linker substitution strategy to compile an HKUST-1-like quaternary MOF by introducing a bifunctional ligand into the well-known HKUST-1 structure. FUT-1, a new HKUST-like tbo topology MOF, was assembled with paddlewheel [Cu₂(COO)₄], triangular metallocycle pyrazole cluster Cu₃(μ₃-OH) (NN)₃ building blocks, and two distinct linkers. FUT-1 exhibited good mechanical stability, water stability, and chemical stability (pH = 3-12) in aqueous solutions. Moreover, the porous environments created by this multicomponent primitive endow FUT-1 with high C₂H₂ storage and significantly selective separation performance of C₂H₂/CO₂. Dynamic breakthrough experiments and ideal adsorbed solution theory calculations further demonstrate that FUT-1 can selectively capture C₂H₂ from C₂H₂/CO₂ mixtures under ambient conditions. Based on grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations, the high C₂H₂ separation performance of FUT-1 is attributed to the π-complex formed between the C₂H₂ molecule and the trinuclear metallocycle clusters on the wall, which provides stronger affinity for C₂H₂ recognition than the CO₂ molecule.

Comprehensive Pore Tuning in an Ultrastable Fluorinated Anion Cross-Linked Cage-Like MOF for Simultaneous Benchmark Propyne Recovery and Propylene Purification

Propyne/propylene (C₃ H₄ /C₃ H₆ ) separation is an important but challenging industrial process to produce polymer-grade C₃ H₆ and recover high-purity C₃ H₄ . Herein, we report an ultrastable TiF₆ ^2- anion cross-linked metal-organic framework (ZNU-2) with precisely controlled pore size, shape and functionality for benchmark C₃ H₄ storage (3.9/7.7 mmol g^-1 at 0.01/1.0 bar and 298 K) and record high C₃ H₄ /C₃ H₆ (10/90) separation potential (31.0 mol kg^-1 ). The remarkable C₃ H₄ /C₃ H₆ (1/99, 10/90, 50/50) separation performance was fully demonstrated by simulated and experimental breakthroughs under various conditions with excellent recyclability and high productivity (42 mol kg^-1 ) of polymer-grade C₃ H₆ from a 1/99 C₃ H₄ /C₃ H₆ mixture. A modelling study revealed that the symmetrical spatial distribution of six TiF₆ ^2- on the icosahedral cage surface provides two distinct binding sites for C₃ H₄ adsorption: one serves as a tailored single C₃ H₄ molecule trap and the other boosts C₃ H₄ accommodation by cooperative host-guest and guest-guest interactions.

Self-Adjusting Metal-Organic Framework for Efficient Capture of Trace Xenon and Krypton

The capture of the xenon and krypton from nuclear reprocessing off-gas is essential to the treatment of radioactive waste. Although various porous materials have been employed to capture Xe and Kr, the development of high-performance adsorbents capable of trapping Xe/Kr at very low partial pressure as in the nuclear reprocessing off-gas conditions remains challenging. Herein, we report a self-adjusting metal-organic framework based on multiple weak binding interactions to capture trace Xe and Kr from the nuclear reprocessing off-gas. The self-adjusting behavior of ATC-Cu and its mechanism have been visualized by the in-situ single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies and theoretical calculations. The self-adjusting behavior endows ATC-Cu unprecedented uptake capacities of 2.65 and 0.52 mmol g^-1 for Xe and Kr respectively at 0.1 bar and 298 K, as well as the record Xe capture capability from the nuclear reprocessing off-gas. Our work not only provides a benchmark Xe adsorbent but proposes a new route to construct smart materials for efficient separations.

A portable ascorbic acid in sweat analysis system based on highly crystalline conductive nickel-based metal-organic framework (Ni-MOF)

Conductive metal-organic frameworks can provide unique porous structures, large pore volumes, many catalytically active sites and high crystallinity, and so are becoming increasingly important and attractive as electrocatalytic materials. The present work synthesized nanorods of the conductive compound Ni₃(2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaiminotriphenylene)₂ (Ni₃(HITP)₂) with a high degree of crystallinity from HITP ligands and Ni²⁺ ions. Screen-printed electrodes made with this material were employed to fabricate an enzyme-free sensor for the detection of ascorbic acid (AA). The sensor exhibited good catalytic activity during the electrocatalytic analysis of AA in alkaline media, attributed to the synergistic effect of highly active Ni-N₄ catalytic sites in the nanorods, the two-dimensional superimposed honeycomb lattice of the Ni₃(HITP)₂, and the large specific surface area of this material. The latter property facilitated efficient electron transfer during catalytic oxidation. A portable electrochemical AA detection system was developed using Ni₃(HITP)₂ as the electrode material together with application-specific integrated circuits and a smartphone application with App. Good sensing performance was obtained, including a wide linear range (2-200 μM) with high sensitivity (0.814 μA μM^-1 cm^-2), and low detection limit (1 μM). This system can be used to monitor AA levels and trends in sweat to assess vitamin C intake as a part of personal health management.

Density functional theory investigation of ozone gas uptake by a BeO nanoflake

Due to importance of the gas uptake topic in environment and energy issues, this work was performed for investigating ozone (Oz) gas uptake by means of a beryllium oxide (BeO) nanoflake. To this aim, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis were performed. The monolayer BeO nanoflake was decorated by a HEME-like N4Fe region to prepare an interacting region towards the Oz uptake. Accordingly, three models were optimized based on configurations of Oz molecule relaxation at the BeO surface, in which two types of O ... Fe and O ... N interactions were observed. In this case, Oz3@BeO model was involved with two mentioned types of interactions and three occurred interaction between Oz and BeO making it as the strongest bimolecular formation model of Oz@BeO. Moreover, electronic molecular orbital features indicated that the models formations could be also related to sensor functions by variations of electric conductivity because of Oz gas uptake. As a consequence, the investigated BeO nanoflake of this work was proposed for employing in Oz gas uptake for different purposes.

Three novel metal-organic frameworks with different coordination modes for trace detection of anthrax biomarkers

Dipicolinic acid (DPA) is an anthrax biomarker. Its serious consequences make its detection a great need. In this paper, three novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with different coordination modes were synthesized by a simple solvothermal method, which can be used as highly efficient fluorescence sensors for the highly selective and sensitive trace detection of DPA. MOFs 1-3 showed rapid responses to DPA (<30 s), and the limits of detection (LODs) were calculated to be 1.01 × 10^-6 M^-1 (MOF 1), 1.17 × 10^-6 M^-1 (MOF 2) and 2.07 × 10^-6 M^-1 (MOF 3). DPA detection based on MOFs 1-3 in fetal bovine serum is highly reliable based on the high recovery rates (90% to 115%). Hence, the three MOF-based sensors can be used in the real-time detection of DPA.

Dense Packing of Acetylene in a Stable and Low-Cost Metal-Organic Framework for Efficient C2 H2 /CO2 Separation

Porous materials for C₂ H₂ /CO₂ separation mostly suffer from high regeneration energy, poor stability, or high cost that largely dampen their industrial implementation. A desired adsorbent should have an optimal balance between excellent separation performance, high stability, and low cost. We herein report a stable, low-cost, and easily scaled-up aluminum MOF (CAU-10-H) for highly efficient C₂ H₂ /CO₂ separation. The suitable pore confinement in CAU-10-H can not only provide multipoint binding interactions with C₂ H₂ but also enable the dense packing of C₂ H₂ inside the pores. This material exhibits one of the highest C₂ H₂ storage densities of 392 g L^-1 and highly selective adsorption of C₂ H₂ over CO₂ at ambient conditions, achieved by a low C₂ H₂ adsorption enthalpy (27 kJ mol^-1 ). Breakthrough experiments confirm its exceptional separation performance for C₂ H₂ /CO₂ mixtures, affording both large C₂ H₂ uptake of 3.3 mmol g^-1 and high separation factor of 3.4. CAU-10-H achieves the benchmark balance between separation performance, stability, and cost for C₂ H₂ /CO₂ separation.

Benchmark Acetylene Binding Affinity and Separation through Induced Fit in a Flexible Hybrid Ultramicroporous Material

Structural changes at the active site of an enzyme induced by binding to a substrate molecule can result in enhanced activity in biological systems. Herein, we report that the new hybrid ultramicroporous material sql-SIFSIX-bpe-Zn exhibits an induced fit binding mechanism when exposed to acetylene, C2 H2 . The resulting phase change affords exceptionally strong C2 H2 binding that in turn enables highly selective C2 H2 /C2 H4 and C2 H2 /CO2 separation demonstrated by dynamic breakthrough experiments. sql-SIFSIX-bpe-Zn was observed to exhibit at least four phases: as-synthesised (α); activated (β); and C2 H2 induced phases (β' and γ). sql-SIFSIX-bpe-Zn-β exhibited strong affinity for C2 H2 at ambient conditions as demonstrated by benchmark isosteric heat of adsorption (Qst ) of 67.5 kJ mol-1 validated through in situ pressure gradient differential scanning calorimetry (PG-DSC). Further, in situ characterisation and DFT calculations provide insight into the mechanism of the C2 H2 induced fit transformation, binding positions and the nature of host-guest and guest-guest interactions.

A Comprehensive Review on Metal Organic Framework Based Preconcentration Strategies for Chromatographic Analysis of Organic Pollutants

Organic pollutants (OPs) are of worldwide concern for being hazardous to human existence and natural flora and fauna in view of their contaminating nature, bio-aggregation properties and long range movement abilities in environment. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new kind of crystalline porous material, composed of metal ions and multi dentate organic ligands with well-defined co-ordination geometry exhibiting promising application respect to adsorptive evacuation of OPs for chromatographic analysis. Applications of MOFs as preconcentration material and column packing material are reviewed. Key analytical characteristics of MOF based preconcentration techniques and coupled chromatographic procedures are summarized in detail. MOF based preconcentration strategies are compared with conventional sorbent based extraction techniques for thorough evaluation of performance of MOF materials.

Impact of Pore Size and Defects on the Selective Adsorption of Acetylene in Alkyne-Functionalized Nickel(II)-Pyrazolate-Based MOFs

C₂H₂/CO₂ separation is a highly challenging process as a consequence of their similar physicochemical properties. In this work we have explored, by static and dynamic gas sorption techniques and computational modelling, the suitability of a series of two isoreticular robust Ni(II)pyrazolate‐based MOFs, bearing alkyne moieties on the ligand backbones, for C₂H₂/CO₂ separation. The results are consistent with high adsorption capacity and selectivity of the essayed systems towards C₂H₂ molecules. Furthermore, a post‐synthetic treatment with KOH ethanolic solution gives rise to linker vacancy defects and incorporation of extraframework potassium ions. Creation of defects is responsible for increased adsorption capacity for both gases, however, strong interactions of the cluster basic sites and extraframework potassium cations with CO₂ molecules are responsible for a lowering of C₂H₂ over CO₂ selectivity.

Interpenetration symmetry control within ultramicroporous robust boron cluster hybrid MOFs for benchmark purification of acetylene from carbon dioxide

The separation of C2H2/CO2 is an important process in industry but challenged by the trade-off of capacity and selectivity owning to their similar physical properties and identical kinetic molecular size. Herein, we report the first example of symmetrically interpenetrated dodecaborate pillared MOF, ZNU-1, for benchmark selective separation of C2H2 from CO2 with a high C2H2 capacity of 76.3 cm3 g-1 and record C2H2/CO2 selectivity of 56.6 (298 K, 1 bar) among all the robust porous materials without open metal sites. Single crystal structure analysis and modelling study indicated that the interpenetration shifting from asymmetric to symmetric mode provided optimal pore chemistry with ideal synergistic "2+2" dihydrogen bonding sites for tight C2H2 trapping. The exceptional separation performance was further evidenced by simulated and experimental breakthroughs with excellent recyclability and high productivity (2.4 mol/kg) of 99.5% purity C2H2 during stepped desorption process.

Benchmark C2 H2 /CO2 Separation in an Ultra-Microporous Metal-Organic Framework via Copper(I)-Alkynyl Chemistry

Separation of acetylene from carbon dioxide remains a daunting challenge because of their very similar molecular sizes and physical properties. We herein report the first example of using copper(I)-alkynyl chemistry within an ultra-microporous MOF (Cu^I @UiO-66-(COOH)₂ ) to achieve ultrahigh C₂ H₂ /CO₂ separation selectivity. The anchored Cu^I ions on the pore surfaces can specifically and strongly interact with C₂ H₂ molecule through copper(I)-alkynyl π-complexation and thus rapidly adsorb large amount of C₂ H₂ at low-pressure region, while effectively reduce CO₂ uptake due to the small pore sizes. This material thus exhibits the record high C₂ H₂ /CO₂ selectivity of 185 at ambient conditions, significantly higher than the previous benchmark ZJU-74a (36.5) and ATC-Cu (53.6). Theoretical calculations reveal that the unique π-complexation between Cu^I and C₂ H₂ mainly contributes to the ultra-strong C₂ H₂ binding affinity and record selectivity. The exceptional separation performance was evidenced by breakthrough experiments for C₂ H₂ /CO₂ gas mixtures. This work suggests a new perspective to functionalizing MOFs with copper(I)-alkynyl chemistry for highly selective separation of C₂ H₂ over CO₂ .

Cage-Like Porous Materials with Simultaneous High C2 H2 Storage and Excellent C2 H2 /CO2 Separation Performance

Adsorption-based separation is an important technology for C₂ H₂ purification due to the environmentally friendly and energy-efficient advantage. In addition to the high selectivity of C₂ H₂ /CO₂ , the high uptake of C₂ H₂ also plays an important role in the separation progress. However, the trade-off between adsorption capacity and separation performance is still in a dilemma. Herein, we report a series of cage-like porous materials named FJI-H8-R (R=Me, Et, ⁿ Pr and ⁱ Pr) which all have high C₂ H₂ uptakes at 1 bar and 298 K. Dynamic breakthrough studies show that they all exhibit excellent C₂ H₂ /CO₂ separation performance. Particularly, FJI-H8-Me possesses a long breakthrough time up to 90 min g^-1 . Additionally, Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation reveals that the suitable pore space and geometry contribute much to the excellent separation performance.