Kinetic Control of Metal-Organic Framework Crystallization Investigated by Time-Resolved In Situ X-Ray Scattering

A novel Cu-MOFs nanosheet/BiVO4 nanorod-based ECL sensor for colorectal cancer diagnosis

Although luminescence metal organic framework (MOFs) has displayed the significant advantages, the limitations in the electrochemical performance (e.g. rapid charge recombination rates and inadequate charge transport) limited the sensing application of MOFs. Herein, a novel Cu-MOFs/BiVO4 nanorod-based electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor has been developed. Firstly, Cu-MOFs with strong luminescence were synthesized via the three-layer approach as ECL emitter. Furthermore, BiVO4 nanorods was modified on the electrode as the actuator to improve the electrochemical activity of Cu-MOFs in the ECL process. As an n-type semiconductor, BiVO4 formed a complementary structure with p-type semiconductor Cu-MOF. Therefore, electrons in the conduction band of BiVO4 transferred to that of Cu-MOF. As a result, more electrons reacted with coreactant on the surface of Cu-MOF, which effectively enhanced the ECL performance of 2D Cu-MOFs nanosheets. As a result, the quantitation of KRAS gene was realized in the linear range of 0.1 pM-1 nM with a detection limit of 0.02 fM. Moreover, the detection of KRAS gene in actual colorectal cancer samples was also carried out with good recovery, which offered a broad application possibility for ECL research and clinical analysis.

Understanding and controlling the nucleation and growth of metal-organic frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks offer a diverse landscape of building blocks to design high performance materials for implications in almost every major industry. With this diversity stems complex crystallization mechanisms with various pathways and intermediates. Crystallization studies have been key to the advancement of countless biological and synthetic systems, with MOFs being no exception. This review provides an overview of the current theories and fundamental chemistry used to decipher MOF crystallization. We then discuss how intrinsic and extrinsic synthetic parameters can be used as tools to modulate the crystallization pathway to produce MOF crystals with finely tuned physical and chemical properties. Experimental and computational methods are provided to guide the probing of MOF crystal formation on the molecular and bulk scale. Lastly, we summarize the recent major advances in the field and our outlook on the exciting future of MOF crystallization.

Induced Production of Atypical Naturally Nonpreferred Metal-Organic Frameworks and Their Detachment via Provoking Post-Mismatching

The structures of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are typically determined by the building blocks that compose them and the conditions under which they are formed. MOFs tend to adopt a thermodynamically and/or kinetically stable structure (naturally preferred form). Thus, constructing MOFs with naturally nonpreferred structures is a challenging task, as it requires avoiding the easier pathway toward a naturally preferred MOF. Herein, an approach to construct naturally nonpreferred dicarboxylate-linked MOFs employing reaction templates is reported. This strategy relies on the registry between the surface of the template and the cell lattice of a target MOF, which reduces the effort required to form naturally nonpreferred MOFs. Reactions of p-block trivalent metal ions (Ga3+ and In3+ ) with dicarboxylic acids typically produce preferred MIL-53 or MIL-68. However, the surface of UiO-67 (and UiO-66) template exhibits the well-defined hexagonal lattice, which induce the selective formation of a naturally nonpreferred MIL-88 structure. Inductively grown MIL-88s are purely isolated from the template via provoking a post-mismatch in their lattices and weakening the interfacial interaction between product and template. It is also discovered that an appropriate template for effective induced production of naturally nonpreferred MOFs shall be properly selected based on the cell lattice of a target MOF.

Membrane-based purification and recovery of phosphate and antibiotics by two-dimensional zeolitic nanoflakes

The pervasive presence of persistent contaminants in water resources, including phosphate and antibiotics, has attracted significant attention due to their potential adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. Adsorption membranes packed with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been proposed as a potential solution to this challenge due to their high surface area to volume ratio, and the tailored functionality they can provide for selective purification. However, devising a straightforward method to enhance the stability of MOF membranes on polymer supports and manipulate their surface morphology remains challenging. In this study, we present a facile solution immersion technique to fabricate a ZIF-L adsorption membrane on commercial supports by leveraging the self-polymerization characteristics of dopamine. The simple coating methodology provides a polydopamine-lined interface that regulates the ZIF-L heteroepitaxial growth, along with tailored nanoflake morphology. Compared with crystals prepared in bulk solution, the sorbents grown on the membrane exhibit a higher saturation capacity of 248 mg g^-1 of phosphate (∼80 mg phosphorus per g sorbent) and 196 mg g^-1 for tetracycline in static adsorption experiments at 30 °C. Additionally, the membranes are capable of selectively removing 99.5% of the phosphate in simulant solutions comprising competitive background ions in various concentrations, and efficiently removing tetracycline. The result from the static adsorption experiments directly translates to a flow-through process, showcasing the utility of a composite membrane with a 3 μm thick active layer in practical adsorption applications. The facile solution immersion fabrication protocol introduced in this work may offer a more efficient paradigm to harness the potential of MOF composite membranes in selective adsorption and resource recovery applications.

Mechanistic Investigation of the Synthesis of Dianionic In-Derived Coordination Polymers

The mechanism of formation of crystalline coordination polymers is as complex as the architectures themselves. In this Communication, we detail a three-tiered approach using density functional theory (DFT) analysis, synthesis, and in situ Raman spectroscopy to study the formation of coordination polymers. Specifically, the previously reported coordination polymers YCM-22 and YCM-51 containing the [In(CO₂R)₂X₃]^2- (X = halogen) molecular building unit (MBU) were investigated. DFT revealed two potential pathways of formation, involving the initial formation of either [InCl₄]^- or [In(CO₂R)Cl₃]^-. A molecular dimeric In species (8a) containing two [In(CO₂R)Cl₄]^2- centers bridged by 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid was isolated. When a suspension of 8a was treated with a solution of 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid, an isomer of the coordination polymer YCM-22 (denoted as YCM-22') was formed. In situ Raman analysis of the formation of YCM-22 confirms that [InCl₄]^- forms at the onset of the reaction and that the [In(CO₂R)₂X₃]^2- MBU forms at its expense. The totality of the data presented support a mechanism of formation of one-dimensional In-derived coordination polymers and present a roadmap for future investigations into the formation of other crystalline coordination polymers.

Early-Stage Formation of the SIFSIX-3-Zn Metal-Organic Framework: An Automated Computational Study

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted significant attention over the past 2 decades due to their wide applicability as functional materials. However, targeted synthesis of novel MOFs remains problematic as their formation mechanisms are poorly understood, which forces us to rely on serendipity in the synthesis of novel MOFs. Here, we demonstrate a workflow employing the artificial force induced reaction (AFIR) method to investigate the self-assembly process of the node of the SIFSIX-3-Zn MOF, [Zn(pyz)₄(SiF₆)₂]^2- (pyz = pyrazine), in an automated manner. The workflow encompassing AFIR calculations, generation of extensive reaction path networks, propagation simulations of intermediates, and further refinements of identified formation pathways showed that the nodal structure can form through multiple competing pathways involving interconvertible intermediates. This finding provides a plausible rationale for the stochastic multistage processes believed to be key in MOF formation. Furthermore, this work represents the first application of an automated reaction mechanism discovery method to a MOF system using a general workflow that is applicable to study the formation of other MOF motifs as well.

Broadly Tunable Atmospheric Water Harvesting in Multivariate Metal-Organic Frameworks

Development of multivariate metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as derivatives of the state-of-art water-harvesting material MOF-303 {[Al(OH)(PZDC)], where PZDC^2- is 1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylate} was shown to be a powerful tool to generate efficient water sorbents tailored to a given environmental condition. Herein, a new multivariate MOF-303-based water-harvesting framework series from readily available reactants is developed. The resulting MOFs exhibit a larger degree of tunability in the operational relative humidity range (16%), regeneration temperature (14 °C), and desorption enthalpy (5 kJ mol^-1) than reported previously. Additionally, a high-yielding (≥90%) and scalable (∼3.5 kg) synthesis is demonstrated in water and with excellent space-time yields, without compromising framework crystallinity, porosity, and water-harvesting performance.

Unraveling the molecular mechanism of MIL-53(Al) crystallization

The vast structural and chemical diversity of metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) provides the exciting possibility of material’s design with tailored properties for gas separation, storage and catalysis. However, after more than twenty years after first reports introducing MOFs, the discovery and control of their synthesis remains extremely challenging due to the lack of understanding of mechanisms of their nucleation and growth. Progress in deciphering crystallization pathways depends on the possibility to follow conversion of initial reagents to products at the molecular level, which is a particular challenge under solvothermal conditions. The present work introduces a detailed molecular-level mechanism of the formation of MIL-53(Al), unraveled by combining in situ time-resolved high-resolution mass-spectrometry, magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. In contrast to the general belief, the crystallization of MIL-53 occurs via a solid-solid transformation mechanism, associated with the spontaneous release of monomeric aluminum. The role of DMF hydrolysis products, formate and dimethylamine, is established. Our study emphasizes the complexity of MOF crystallization chemistry, which requires case-by-case investigation using a combination of advanced in situ methods for following the induction period, the nucleation and growth across the time domain.

The discovery and control of the synthesis of metal–organic frameworks remains challenging due to the lack of understanding of their nucleation and growth. Here, the authors report a detailed molecular-level mechanism of the formation of MIL-53(Al).

Porous Colloidal Nanoparticles as Injectable Multimodal Contrast Agents for Enhanced Geophysical Sensing

Injecting fluids into underground geologic structures is crucial for the development of long-term strategies for managing captured carbon and facilitating sustainable energy extraction operations. We have previously reported that the injection of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into the subsurface can enhance seismic monitoring tools to track fluids and map complex structures, reduce risk, and verify containment in carbon storage reservoirs because of their absorption capacity of low-frequency seismic waves. Here, we demonstrate that water-based Cr/Zn/Zr MOF colloidal suspensions (nanofluids) are multimodal geophysical contrast agents that enhance near-wellbore logging tools. Based on experimental fluid-only measurements, MIL-101(Cr), ZIF-8, and UiO-66 nanofluids have distinct complex conductivity and/or low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signatures that are relevant to field-deployed technologies, implying the potential to enhance near-wellbore monitoring of CO2 injection and associated processes with downhole logging tools. Small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering characterization of ∼0.5 wt % MIL-101(Cr) suspensions confirmed phase stability and provided insight into the fractal nature of colloidal nanoparticles. Finally, low-field (2 MHz) NMR measurements of MIL-101(Cr) nanofluid injection into a prototypical Berea sandstone demonstrate how paramagnetic high-surface area MOFs may dominate the relaxation times of hydrogen-bearing fluids in porous geologic matrices, enhancing the mapping of near-surface and near-wellbore transport pathways and advancing sustainable subsurface energy technologies.

Linker Deprotonation and Structural Evolution on the Pathway to MOF-74

The synthesis of MOF-74 (MOF = metal-organic framework) proceeds first through the generation of chemically and topologically distinct materials, referred to as phases, displaying exclusively carboxylate coordination, followed by further deprotonation to enable oxo coordination and MOF-74 formation. The synthesis of Mg-MOF-74 at high concentrations of linker and metal enables the stabilization and characterization of the previously unobserved, exclusively carboxylate coordinating phases. Ex situ and in situ approaches are leveraged to provide the time-resolved observation of Mg-MOF-74 synthesis and the formation of phases that precede Mg-MOF-74 formation as well as metastable phase dissolution. These data support dissolution and redeposition as the mechanism of MOF-74 formation and provide insight into the formation mechanism of MOFs with multiple linker coordination types.

Multivariate metal-organic framework MTV-MIL-101 via post-synthetic cation exchange: is it truly achievable?

The post-synthetic exchange (PSE) method is a well-proven route to replace, modify, and add different functionalities to metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Particularly, the solvent-assisted cation substitution (SACS) technique has been reported to prepare mixed-metal multivariate metal-organic frameworks (MTV-MOFs). However, such a technique does not apply to all types of MOFs. In 2013, Szilágyi et al. reported the achievement of the mixed-metal MTV-MIL-101 framework via PSE. Since then, a debate has been taking place about the validity of these findings. On the other hand, the attainment of the mixed-metal MIL-101 was reported to be obtainable through the direct synthesis, which is, to some, the only way to achieve it. Here, we settle this dispute by investigating Szilágyi's method not only as described, but also at extended conditions of time and different metal precursors: all attempts were vain. However, by reconsidering the refluxing solvent (dimethylformamide "DMF" instead of water) and the applied reaction conditions (110 °C-20 h), mixed-metal MIL-101(Cr/Fe) was achieved via a simple PSE method.

A review of recent developments for the in situ/operando characterization of nanoporous materials

This is a review on up-to-date in situ/operando methods for a comprehensive characterization of nanoporous materials. The group of nanoporous materials is constantly growing, and with it, the variety of...

MOFs in the time domain

Many of the proposed applications of metal-organic framework (MOF) materials may fail to materialize if the community does not fully address the difficult fundamental work needed to map out the 'time gap' in the literature - that is, the lack of investigation into the time-dependent behaviours of MOFs as opposed to equilibrium or steady-state properties. Although there are a range of excellent investigations into MOF dynamics and time-dependent phenomena, these works represent only a tiny fraction of the vast number of MOF studies. This Review provides an overview of current research into the temporal evolution of MOF structures and properties by analysing the time-resolved experimental techniques that can be used to monitor such behaviours. We focus on innovative techniques, while also discussing older methods often used in other chemical systems. Four areas are examined: MOF formation, guest motion, electron motion and framework motion. In each area, we highlight the disparity between the relatively small amount of (published) research on key time-dependent phenomena and the enormous scope for acquiring the wider and deeper understanding that is essential for the future of the field.

Lattice-Guided Construction and Harvest of a Naturally Nonpreferred Metal-Organic Framework

Constructing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to have a desired structure from the given components is critical to achieve ideal MOFs with optimal properties. However, thermodynamics and/or kinetics typically impose a restriction on MOF structures. Here, we report the MOF farming concept to produce a naturally nonpreferred structure from the given components. The HKUST-1 template offers ideal places for the efficient seeding and epitaxial growth of Ga-MIL-88B that is a naturally nonpreferred structure however intentionally produced instead of the preferred Ga-MIL-68. The MOF growth on the differently shaped HKUST-1 templates (octahedral, cuboctahedral, and cubic), containing different exposed lattices, proves that a hexagonal lattice with an exposed {111} plane of HKUST-1 selectively directs the perpendicular growth of Ga-MIL-88B, owing to the lattice matching with the {001} plane of Ga-MIL-88B. The grown Ga-MIL-88B is isolated in a pure form, and the refreshed template is reused to grow additional Ga-MIL-88B.

In Situ Investigation of Multicomponent MOF Crystallization during Rapid Continuous Flow Synthesis

Access to the potential applications of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) depends on rapid fabrication. While there have been advances in the large-scale production of single-component MOFs, rapid synthesis of multicomponent MOFs presents greater challenges. Multicomponent systems subjected to rapid synthesis conditions have the opportunity to form separate kinetic phases that are each built up using just one linker. We sought to investigate whether continuous flow chemistry could be adapted to the rapid formation of multicomponent MOFs, exploring the UMCM-1 and MUF-77 series. Surprisingly, phase pure, highly crystalline multicomponent materials emerge under these conditions. To explore this, in situ WAXS was undertaken to gain an understanding of the formation mechanisms at play during flow synthesis. Key differences were found between the ternary UMCM-1 and the quaternary MUF-7, and key details about how the MOFs form were then uncovered. Counterintuitively, despite consisting of just two ligands UMCM-1 proceeds via MOF-5, whereas MUF-7 consists of three ligands but is generated directly from the reaction mixture. By taking advantage of the scalable high-quality materials produced, C6 separations were achieved in breakthrough settings.

Revisiting the Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Fitting Procedure through a Machine Learning-Based Approach

A novel approach for the analysis of extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra is developed exploiting an inverse machine learning-based algorithm. Through this approach, it is possible to explore and account for, in a precise way, the nonlinear geometry dependence of the photoelectron backscattering phases and amplitudes of single and multiple scattering paths. In addition, the determined parameters are directly related to the 3D atomic structure, without the need to use complex parametrization as in the classical fitting approach. The applicability of the approach, its potential and the advantages over the classical fit were demonstrated by fitting the EXAFS data of two molecular systems, namely, the KAu (CN)₂ and the [RuCl₂(CO)₃]₂ complexes.

Transition Mechanism from Nonlamellar to Well-Ordered Lamellar Phases: Is the Lamellar Liquid-Crystal Phase a Must?

Understanding the self-assembly mechanisms of amphiphilic molecules in solutions and regulating their phase behaviors are of primary significance for their applications. To challenge the reported direct phase transitions from nonlamellar to ordered lamellar phases, the self-assembly and phase behavior of the 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride aqueous dispersions were studied using a strategy of isothermal incubation after the temperature jump. A disordered lamellar phase (identified as the lamellar liquid-crystal (L_α) phase), serving as an intermediate, was found to bridge the transition from a spherical micellar (M) phase to a lamellar-gel (L_β) phase. Meanwhile, the nonsynchronicity in the tail and headgroup regions of the ionic liquid surfactant during the transition process was also unveiled, with the former being prior to the latter. The in-depth understanding of the self-assembly mechanisms may help push forward the related applications in the future.

Continuous Fluidic Techniques for the Precise Synthesis of Metal-Organic Frameworks

The continuous fluidics-based synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has attracted considerable attention, resulting in advancements in the reaction efficiency, a continuous production of complex structures, and access to products that are difficult or impossible to attain by bulk synthetic routes. This Minireview discusses the continuous fluidics-based synthesis of MOFs in terms of reaction process control, and is divided into three chapters dealing with the efficient synthesis of high-quality MOFs, the confined-space synthesis of MOF composites with diverse morphologies, and the selective synthesis of metastable products. The products of continuous fluidic synthetic process are introduced (e. g., uniform products, composites, fibers, membranes, and metastable products with advantageous properties that cannot be obtained by bulk synthesis), and their usefulness is demonstrated by referencing representative examples.

Tuning the Properties of MOF-808 via Defect Engineering and Metal Nanoparticle Encapsulation

Defect engineering and metal encapsulation are considered as valuable approaches to fine‐tune the reactivity of metal–organic frameworks. In this work, various MOF‐808 (Zr) samples are synthesized and characterized with the final aim to understand how defects and/or platinum nanoparticle encapsulation act on the intrinsic and reactive properties of these MOFs. The reactivity of the pristine, defective and Pt encapsulated MOF‐808 is quantified with water adsorption and CO₂ adsorption calorimetry. The results reveal strong competitive effects between crystal morphology and missing linker defects which in turn affect the crystal morphology, porosity, stability, and reactivity. In spite of leading to a loss in porosity, the introduction of defects (missing linkers or Pt nanoparticles) is beneficial to the stability of the MOF‐808 towards water and could also be advantageously used to tune adsorption properties of this MOF family.

In Situ X-ray Diffraction Investigation of the Crystallisation of Perfluorinated CeIV -Based Metal-Organic Frameworks with UiO-66 and MIL-140 Architectures*

We report on the results of an in situ synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction study of the crystallisation in aqueous medium of two recently discovered perfluorinated Ce^IV -based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), analogues of the already well investigated Zr^IV -based UiO-66 and MIL-140A, namely, F4_UiO-66(Ce) and F4_MIL-140A(Ce). The two MOFs were originally obtained in pure form in similar conditions, using ammonium cerium nitrate and tetrafluoroterephthalic acid as reagents, and small variations of the reaction parameters were found to yield mixed phases. Here, we investigate the crystallisation of these compounds, varying parameters such as temperature, amount of the protonation modulator nitric acid and amount of the coordination modulator acetic acid. When only HNO₃ is present in the reaction environment, only F4_MIL-140A(Ce) is obtained. Heating preferentially accelerates nucleation, which becomes rate determining below 57 °C. Upon addition of AcOH to the system, alongside HNO₃ , mixed-phased products are obtained. F4_UiO-66(Ce) is always formed faster, and no interconversion between the two phases occurs. In the case of F4_UiO-66(Ce), crystal growth is always the rate-determining step. A higher amount of HNO₃ favours the formation of F4_MIL-140A(Ce), whereas increasing the amount of AcOH favours the formation of F4_UiO-66(Ce). Based on the in situ results, a new optimised route to achieving a pure, high-quality F4_MIL-140A(Ce) phase in mild conditions (60 °C, 1 h) is also identified.

Aliphatic amine mediated assembly of [M6(mna)6] (M = Cu/Ag) into extended two-dimensional structures: synthesis, structure and Lewis acid catalytic studies

New aliphatic amine directed two-dimensional cadmium coordination polymers were shown to exhibit Lewis-acid catalytic activity for the cyanation of imines.

Exploiting in situ NMR to monitor the formation of a metal-organic framework

The formation processes of metal-organic frameworks are becoming more widely researched using in situ techniques, although there remains a scarcity of NMR studies in this field. In this work, the synthesis of framework MFM-500(Ni) has been investigated using an in situ NMR strategy that provides information on the time-evolution of the reaction and crystallization process. In our in situ NMR study of MFM-500(Ni) formation, liquid-phase 1H NMR data recorded as a function of time at fixed temperatures (between 60 and 100 °C) afford qualitative information on the solution-phase processes and quantitative information on the kinetics of crystallization, allowing the activation energies for nucleation (61.4 ± 9.7 kJ mol-1) and growth (72.9 ± 8.6 kJ mol-1) to be determined. Ex situ small-angle X-ray scattering studies (at 80 °C) provide complementary nanoscale information on the rapid self-assembly prior to MOF crystallization and in situ powder X-ray diffraction confirms that the only crystalline phase present during the reaction (at 90 °C) is phase-pure MFM-500(Ni). This work demonstrates that in situ NMR experiments can shed new light on MOF synthesis, opening up the technique to provide better understanding of how MOFs are formed.

Small-angle X-ray scattering as a multifaceted tool for structural characterization of covalent organic frameworks

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is an accurate nondestructive method that requires a minimum of sample preparation and is employed to study porosity, morphology and hierarchical structures. Zeolites and silica are among the porous materials that are widely investigated by SAXS. However, studies of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are still scarce. In the present study, SAXS was employed to investigate meso- and microporous COFs, affording insightful information about their nanostructure textural properties. SAXS is especially useful when combined with other characterization techniques, such as powder X-ray diffraction and N2 adsorption isotherms, emerging as an efficient tool to further characterize COFs. For microporous COFs, SAXS was used mainly to obtain quantitative values of surface roughness as a function of fractal parameters, in all cases indicating surface fractals of the large-scale scattering object, namely the `grain'. Mesoporous COF studies allowed elucidation of their hexagonal structure on the basis of their structure peaks; however, the main result lies in the distinction between the pore and the grain, which are described as a hierarchical structure by the Beaucage model and evaluated according to their fractality. These COFs generally exhibit pores with mass fractal features and grains with surface fractal features when they are submitted to post-functionalization, which may be due to the poor diffusivity of the functionalizing agents into the pores. In addition, a proposed aggregation description of the porous scattering objects was envisioned, based on small-angle scattering premises, which was confirmed for a microporous COF by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.

In situ study of the synthesis of thorite (ThSiO4) under environmental representative conditions

Thorite, (ThSiO4) with a zircon type structure, is one of the most abundant natural sources of thorium on Earth. Generally, actinides are known to form nanoparticles in silicate medium, though no direct link between those colloids and the crystalline form of thorite was evidenced until now. Here we show the formation of thorite from colloids and nanocrystalline structures under experimental conditions close to environmental pH and temperature. Through in situ small and wide angle X-ray scattering (SWAXS) measurements, colloids with a few nanometers in size were first evidenced at a low reaction time. These colloids have elongated shapes and finally tend to aggregate after their size has reached 10 nm. Once aggregated, the system goes through a maturation step, ending with the emergence of nanocrystallites as thorite zircon structures. This maturation step is longer when the reaction temperature is decreased which highlights the kinetic considerations. These results have potential implications on the paragenesis of Th mineral deposits and also in the behaviour of Th and, by analogy, tetravalent actinides in the environment. The significant characteristics of this work are that Th-silicate colloids were demonstrated at low temperatures and a near neutral pH with long-term stability and a morphology in favor of high mobility in groundwater. If these species are formed in more diluted media, this could be problematic owing to the spreading of Th and, by analogy, other tetravalent actinides in the environment.

Competing Roles of Two Kinds of Ligand during Nonclassical Crystallization of Pillared-Layer Metal-Organic Frameworks Elucidated Using Microfluidic Systems

To diversify metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), multi-component MOFs constructed from more than two kinds of bridging ligand have been actively investigated due to the high degree of design freedom afforded by the combination of multiple ligands. Predicting the synthesis conditions for such MOFs requires an understanding of the crystallization mechanism, which has so far remained elusive. In this context, microflow systems are efficient tools for capturing non-equilibrium states as they facilitate precise and efficient mixing with reaction times that correspond to the distance from the mixing point, thus enabling reliable control of non-equilibrium crystallization processes. Herein, we prepared coordination polymers with pillared-layer structures and observed the intermediates in the syntheses with an in-situ measurement system that combines microflow reaction with UV/Vis and X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopies, thereby enabling their rapid nucleation to be monitored. Based on the results, a three-step nonclassical nucleation mechanism involving two kinds of intermediate is proposed.

Structural Polymorphism of Resorcinarene Assemblies

In 1997, a study based on X-ray crystallography revealed that resorcinarenes adopt a hexameric capsule-like structure. The function of resorcinarenes has been discussed on the basis of this structure; however, our recent study showed that the hexamer may be only one of resorcinarenes' polymorphic members. Here, we present the solvent dependence of the aggregation number of C-undecylresorcinarene in water-saturated toluene and chloroform using small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering and analytical ultracentrifugation measurements. We found that a new octamer was formed in toluene where the eight resorcinarene units were placed at the vertices of a regular cube; this contrasts to the previous structure in chloroform, namely, a hexamer with the six resorcinarenes located at the vertices of a regular octahedron that has a cavity inside where chloroform molecules are pooled.

Spectroscopy, microscopy, diffraction and scattering of archetypal MOFs: formation, metal sites in catalysis and thin films

A comprehensive overview of characterization tools for the analysis of well-known metal–organic frameworks and physico-chemical phenomena associated to their applications.

In situ Raman and FTIR spectroscopic study on the formation of the isomers MIL-68(Al) and MIL-53(Al)

The paper describes a method to induce the formation of MIL-68(Al) rather than MIL-53(Al) using a formic acid modulated synthesis approach.

A Single-Crystal Open-Capsule Metal-Organic Framework

Micro-/nanocapsules have received substantial attention due to various potential applications for storage, catalysis, and drug delivery. However, their conventional enclosed non-/polycrystalline walls pose huge obstacles for rapid loading and mass diffusion. Here, we present a new single-crystal capsular-MOF with openings on the wall, which is carefully designed at the molecular level and constructed from a crystal-structure transformation. This rare open-capsule MOF can easily load the largest amounts of sulfur and iodine among known MOFs. In addition, derived from capsular-MOF and melamine through pyrolysis-phosphidation, we fabricated a nitrogen-doped capsular carbon-based framework with iron-nickel phosphide nanoparticles immobilized on capsular carbons interconnected by plentiful carbon nanotubes. Benefiting from synergistic effects between the carbon framework and highly surface-exposed phosphide sites, the material exhibits efficient multifunctional electrocatalysis for oxygen evolution, hydrogen evolution, and oxygen reduction, achieving well-qualified assemblies of an overall water splitting (low potential of 1.59 V at 10 mA·cm^-2) and a rechargeable Zn-air battery (high peak power density of 250 mW·cm^-2 and excellent stability for 500 h), which afford remarkably practical prospects over previously known electrocatalysts.

The Chemistry of Nucleation: In Situ Pair Distribution Function Analysis of Secondary Building Units During UiO-66 MOF Formation

The concept of secondary building units (SBUs) is central to all science on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and they are widely used to design new MOF materials. However, the presence of SBUs during MOF formation remains controversial, and the formation mechanism of MOFs remains unclear, due to limited information about the evolution of prenucleation cluster structures. Here in situ pair distribution function (PDF) analysis was used to probe UiO-66 formation under solvothermal conditions. The expected SBU-a hexanuclear zirconium cluster-is present in the metal salt precursor solution. Addition of organic ligands results in a disordered structure with correlations up to 23 Å, resembling crystalline UiO-66. Heating leads to fast cluster aggregation, and further growth and ordering results in the crystalline product. Thus, SBUs are present already at room temperature and act as building blocks for MOF formation. The proposed formation steps provide insight for further development of MOF synthesis.

An analysis of the effect of zirconium precursors of MOF-808 on its thermal stability, and structural and surface properties

Different zirconium precursors lead to different bulk properties but similar defective surfaces.

Control of the nucleation and growth processes of metal–organic frameworks using a metal ion-doped polymer substrate for the construction of continuous films

Densely-packed continuous MOF crystal-based films can be prepared by controlling the nucleation and growth processes.

One-dimensional networks formed via the self-assembly of anthracenedibenzoic acid with zinc(II)

Self-assembly of metal-organic coordination polymers occurs because of enthalpically favorable interactions. In the case of the bulky 4,4'-(anthracene-9,10-diyl)dibenzoic acid ligand (abdH₂), we demonstrate that the presence of numerous π-π and C-H...π interactions outweigh the formation of saturated coordination complexes with zinc, leading to the formation of a dimethylformamide (DMF) solvate, namely 4,4'-(anthracene-9,10-diyl)dibenzoic acid dimethylformamide disolvate, C₂₈H₁₈O₄·2C₃H₇NO or [(abdH₂)(DMF)₂], at low concentrations of zinc. Meanwhile, at higher zinc concentrations, the abdH₂ ligand gives rise to the nonporous one-dimensional coordination polymer catena-poly[[bis(dimethylformamide-κO)zinc(II)]-μ-4,4'-(anthracene-9,10-diyl)dibenzoato-κ²O:O'], [Zn(C₂₈H₁₆O₄)(C₃H₇NO)₂]_n or [Zn(abd)(DMF)₂]_n, when assembled in dimethylformamide, while a related compound is observed when N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA) is used as the solvent, namely catena-poly[[[bis(N,N-dimethylacetamide-κO)zinc(II)]-μ-4,4'-(anthracene-9,10-diyl)dibenzoato-κ²O:O'] N,N-dimethylacetamide monosolvate], {[Zn(C₂₈H₁₆O₄)(C₄H₉NO)₂]·C₄H₉NO}_n or {[Zn(abd)(DMA)₂]·DMA}_n. Attempts to use other amide-based solvents did not give rise to any other assembled structures.

Heterogeneous catalysis with encapsulated haem and other synthetic porphyrins: Harnessing the power of porphyrins for oxidation reactions

Encapsulated metalloporphyrins have been widely studied for their use as efficient heterogeneous catalysts, inspired by the known catalytic activity of porphyrins in haemoproteins. The oxidation of organic substrates by haemoproteins is one of the well-known roles of these proteins, in which the haem (ferriprotoporphyrin IX = FePPIX) cofactor is the centre of reactivity. While these porphyrins are highly efficient catalysts in the protein environment, once removed, they quickly lose their reactivity. It is for this reason that they have garnered much interest in the field of heterogeneous catalysis of oxidation reactions. This review details current research in the field, focusing on the application of encapsulated haem, and other synthetic metalloporphyrins, applied to oxidation reactions.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for In Situ Monitoring of Porous Materials Formation under Hydrothermal Conditions

The employment of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for studying crystalline porous materials formation is reviewed in the context of the development of in situ methodologies for the observation of the real synthesis medium, with the aim of unraveling the nucleation and growth processes mechanism. Both liquid and solid state NMR techniques are considered to probe the local environment at molecular level of the precursor species either soluble in the liquid phase or present in the reactive gel. Because the mass transport between the liquid and solid components of the heterogeneous system plays a key role in the synthesis course, the two methods provide unique insights and are complementary. Recent technological advances for hydrothermal conditions NMR are detailed and their applications to zeolite and related materials crystallization are illustrated. Achievements in the field are exemplified with some representative studies of relevance to zeolites, aluminophosphate zeotypes, and metal-organic frameworks.

Formation of a new type of uranium(iv) poly-oxo cluster {U38} based on a controlled release of water via esterification reaction

A new strategy for the synthesis of large poly-oxo clusters bearing 38 tetravalent uranium atoms {U38} has been developed by controlling the water release from the esterification reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. The molecular entity [U38O56Cl40(H2O)2(ipa)20]·(ipa) x (ipa = isopropanol) was crystallized from the solvothermal reaction of a mixture of UCl4 and benzoic acid in isopropanol at temperature ranging from 70 to 130 °C. Its crystal structure reveals the molecular assembly of the UO2 fluorite-like inner core {U14} with oxo groups bridging the uranium centers. The {U14} core is further surrounded by six tetrameric sub-units of {U4} to form the {U38} cluster. Its surface is decorated by either bridging- and terminal chloride anions or terminal isopropanol molecules. Another synthesis using the same reactant mixture at room temperature resulted in the crystallization of a discrete dinuclear complex [U2Cl4(bz)4(ipa)4]·(ipa)0.5 (bz = benzoate), in which each uranium center is coordinated by two chlorine atoms, four oxygen atoms from carboxylate groups and two additional oxygen atoms from isopropanol. The slow production of water released from the esterification of isopropanol allows the formation of the giant cluster with oxo bridges linking the uranium atoms at a temperature above 70 °C, whereas no such oxo groups are present in the dinuclear complex formed at room temperature. The kinetics of {U38} crystallization as well as the ester formation are analyzed and discussed. SAXS experiments indicate that the {U38} species are not dominant in the supernatant, but hexanuclear entities which are closely related to the [U6O8] type are formed.