Alkali Metal Cation Effects on Hydrogen Uptake and Binding in Metal-Organic Frameworks

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) As Hydrogen Storage Materials At Near-Ambient Temperature

Hydrogen may play a critical role in our efforts to de-carbonize by 2050. However, there remain technical challenges in the storage and transport of hydrogen. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown significant promise for hydrogen storage at cryogenic temperatures. A material that can meet the US department of energy (DOE) ultimate goal of 6.5 wt. % for gravimetric performance and 50 g/L for volumetric storage at near-ambient temperatures would unlock hydrogen as a future fuel source for on-board applications. Metal-organic frameworks typically have low heat of adsorptions (i. e. 4-7 kJ/mol), whereas for storing significant quantities of hydrogen at near-ambient temperatures, 15-25 kJ/mol is likely required. In this review we explore the current methods used (i. e., open-metal sites, alkali dopants and hydrogen spillover) for promoting strong adsorption within MOFs. Further we discuss MOF-based materials with respect to the technical aspects of deliverable capacity, kinetics and stability.

Organo-macrocycle-containing hierarchical metal-organic frameworks and cages: design, structures, and applications

Developing hierarchical ordered systems is challenging. Using organo-macrocycles to construct metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and porous coordination cages (PCCs) provides an efficient way to obtain hierarchical assemblies. Macrocycles, such as crown ethers, cyclodextrins, calixarenes, cucurbiturils, and pillararenes, can be incorporated within MOFs/PCCs and they also endow the resultant composites with enhanced properties and functionalities. This review summarizes recent developments of organo-macrocycle-containing hierarchical MOFs/PCCs, emphasizing applications and structure-property relationships of these hierarchically porous materials. This review provides insights for future research on hierarchical self-assembly using macrocycles as building blocks and functional ligands to extend the applications of the composites.

Crystallographic characterization of the metal-organic framework Fe2(bdp)3 upon reductive cation insertion

Precisely locating extra-framework cations in anionic metal–organic framework compounds remains a long-standing, yet crucial, challenge for elucidating structure–performance relationships in functional materials. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction is one of the most powerful approaches for this task, but single crystals of frameworks often degrade when subjected to post-synthetic metalation or reduction. Here, we demonstrate the growth of sizable single crystals of the robust metal–organic framework Fe₂(bdp)₃ (bdp²⁻ = benzene-1,4-dipyrazolate) and employ single-crystal-to-single-crystal chemical reductions to access the solvated framework materials A₂Fe₂(bdp)₃·yTHF (A = Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺). X-ray diffraction analysis of the sodium and potassium congeners reveals that the cations are located near the center of the triangular framework channels and are stabilized by weak cation–π interactions with the framework ligands. Freeze-drying with benzene enables isolation of activated single crystals of Na_0.5Fe₂(bdp)₃ and Li₂Fe₂(bdp)₃ and the first structural characterization of activated metal–organic frameworks wherein extra-framework alkali metal cations are also structurally located. Comparison of the solvated and activated sodium-containing structures reveals that the cation positions differ in the two materials, likely due to cation migration that occurs upon solvent removal to maximize stabilizing cation–π interactions. Hydrogen adsorption data indicate that these cation–framework interactions are sufficient to diminish the effective cationic charge, leading to little or no enhancement in gas uptake relative to Fe₂(bdp)₃. In contrast, Mg_0.85Fe₂(bdp)₃ exhibits enhanced H₂ affinity and capacity over the non-reduced parent material. This observation shows that increasing the charge density of the pore-residing cation serves to compensate for charge dampening effects resulting from cation–framework interactions and thereby promotes stronger cation–H₂ interactions.

Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals structural influences on gas adsorption properties in anionic metal–organic frameworks.

Lithium-Doped Silica-Rich MIL-101(Cr) for Enhanced Hydrogen Uptake

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) show promising characteristics for hydrogen storage application. In this direction, modification of under-utilized large pore cavities of MOFs has been extensively explored as a promising strategy to further enhance the hydrogen storage properties of MOFs. Here, we described a simple methodology to enhance the hydrogen uptake properties of RHA incorporated MIL-101 (RHA-MIL-101, where RHA is rice husk ash-a waste material) by controlled doping of Li⁺ ions. The hydrogen gas uptake of Li-doped RHA-MIL-101 is significantly higher (up to 72 %) compared to the undoped RHA-MIL-101, where the content of Li⁺ ions doping greatly influenced the hydrogen uptake properties. We attributed the observed enhancement in the hydrogen gas uptake of Li-doped RHA-MIL-101 to the favorable Li⁺ ion-to-H₂ interactions and the cooperative effect of silanol bonds of silica-rich rice-husk ash incorporated in MIL-101.

Structure evolution and luminescence properties of lithium(i)–sulfonate complexes constructed from multifunctional arenedisulfonic acids

Eight new lithium(i) complexes constructed from multifunctional arenedisulfonic acids have been synthesized. The structural evolution and luminescence properties of these complexes can be attributed to the coordination modes and anion types of ligands.

Fully Atomistic Understanding of the Electronic and Optical Properties of a Prototypical Doped Charge-Transfer Interface

The current study generates profound atomistic insights into doping-induced changes of the optical and electronic properties of the prototypical PTCDA/Ag(111) interface. For doping K atoms are used, as K_xPTCDA/Ag(111) has the distinct advantage of forming well-defined stoichiometric phases. To arrive at a conclusive, unambiguous, and fully atomistic understanding of the interface properties, we combine state-of-the-art density-functional theory calculations with optical differential reflectance data, photoelectron spectra, and X-ray standing wave measurements. In combination with the full structural characterization of the K_xPTCDA/Ag(111) interface by low-energy electron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscopy experiments (ACS Nano 2016, 10, 2365-2374), the present comprehensive study provides access to a fully characterized reference system for a well-defined metal-organic interface in the presence of dopant atoms, which can serve as an ideal benchmark for future research and applications. The combination of the employed complementary techniques allows us to understand the peculiarities of the optical spectra of K₂PTCDA/Ag(111) and their counterintuitive similarity to those of neutral PTCDA layers. They also clearly describe the transition from a metallic character of the (pristine) adsorbed PTCDA layer on Ag(111) to a semiconducting state upon doping, which is the opposite of the effect (degenerate) doping usually has on semiconducting materials. All experimental and theoretical efforts also unanimously reveal a reduced electronic coupling between the adsorbate and the substrate, which goes hand in hand with an increasing adsorption distance of the PTCDA molecules caused by a bending of their carboxylic oxygens away from the substrate and toward the potassium atoms.

Trapping gases in metal-organic frameworks with a selective surface molecular barrier layer

The main challenge for gas storage and separation in nanoporous materials is that many molecules of interest adsorb too weakly to be effectively retained. Instead of synthetically modifying the internal surface structure of the entire bulk—as is typically done to enhance adsorption—here we show that post exposure of a prototypical porous metal-organic framework to ethylenediamine can effectively retain a variety of weakly adsorbing molecules (for example, CO, CO₂, SO₂, C₂H₄, NO) inside the materials by forming a monolayer-thick cap at the external surface of microcrystals. Furthermore, this capping mechanism, based on hydrogen bonding as explained by ab initio modelling, opens the door for potential selectivity. For example, water molecules are shown to disrupt the hydrogen-bonded amine network and diffuse through the cap without hindrance and fully displace/release the retained small molecules out of the metal-organic framework at room temperature. These findings may provide alternative strategies for gas storage, delivery and separation.

Metal-organic frameworks are extensively studied for gas storage applications, but one potential limitation is their relatively weak adsorption of gases. Here, the authors report that the exposure of metal-organic frameworks to ethylenediamine forms a monolayer thick cap which improves gas molecule retention.

Multiscale Computational Study on the Adsorption and Separation of CO2 /CH4 and CO2 /H2 on Li+ -Doped Mixed-Ligand Metal-Organic Framework Zn2 (NDC)2 (diPyNI)

The quantum mechanics (QM) method and grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations are used to study the effect of lithium cation doping on the adsorption and separation of CO₂ , CH₄ , and H₂ on a twofold interwoven metal-organic framework (MOF), Zn₂ (NDC)₂ (diPyNI) (NDC=2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate; diPyNI=N,N'-di-(4-pyridyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxydiimide). Second-order Moller-Plesset (MP2) calculations on the (Li⁺ -diPyNI) cluster model show that the energetically most favorable lithium binding site is above the pyridine ring side at a distance of 1.817 Å from the oxygen atom. The results reveal that the adsorption capacity of Zn₂ (NDC)₂ (diPyNI) for carbon dioxide is higher than those of hydrogen and methane at room temperature. Furthermore, GCMC simulations on the structures obtained from QM calculations predict that the Li⁺ -doped MOF has higher adsorption capacities than the nondoped MOF, especially at low pressures. In addition, the probability density distribution plots reveal that CO₂ , CH₄ , and H₂ molecules accumulate close to the Li cation site. The selectivity results indicate that CO₂ /H₂ selectivity values in Zn₂ (NDC)₂ (diPyNI) are higher than those of CO₂ /CH₄ . The selectivity of CO₂ over CH₄ on Li⁺ -doped Zn₂ (NDC)₂ (diPyNI) is improved relative to the nondoped MOF.

Synthesis, Structures and Luminescence Properties of Metal-Organic Frameworks Based on Lithium-Lanthanide and Terephthalate

Metal-organic frameworks assembled from Ln(III), Li(I) and rigid dicarboxylate ligand, formulated as [LiLn(BDC)₂(H₂O)·2(H₂O)] (MS1-6,7a) and [LiTb(BDC)₂] (MS7b) (Ln = Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Y_0.96Eu_0.04, Y_0.93Tb_0.07, and H₂BDC = terephthalic acid), were obtained under hydrothermal conditions. The isostructural MS1-6 crystallize in monoclinic P2₁/c space group. While, in the case of Tb³⁺ a mixture of at least two phases was obtained, the former one (MS7a) and a new monoclinic C2/c phase (MS7b). All compounds have been studied by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analyses (TGA), vibrational spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX). The structures of MS1-6 and MS7a are built up of inorganic-organic hybrid chains. These chains constructed from unusual four-membered rings, are formed by edge- and vertex-shared {LnO₈} and {LiO₄} polyhedra through oxygen atoms O3 (vertex) and O6-O7 (edge). Each chain is cross-linked to six neighboring chains through six terephthalate bridges. While, the structure of MS7b is constructed from double inorganic chains, and each chain is, in turn, related symmetrically to the adjacent one through the c glide plane. These chains are formed by infinitely alternating {LiO₄} and {TbO₈} polyhedra through (O2-O3) edges to create Tb–O–Li connectivity along the c-axis. Both MS1-6,7a and MS7b structures possess a 3D framework with 1D trigonal channels running along the a and c axes, containing water molecules and anhydrous, respectively. Topological studies revealed that MS1-6 and MS7a have a new 2-nodal 3,10-c net, while MS7b generates a 3D net with unusual β-Sn topology. The photoluminescence properties Eu- and Tb-doped compounds (MS5-6) are also investigated, exhibiting strong red and green light emissions, respectively, which are attributed to the efficient energy transfer process from the BDC ligand to Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺.

Selective removal of cesium and strontium using porous frameworks from high level nuclear waste

A water stable MOF, MIL-101-SO₃H, shows excellent Cs⁺ and Sr²⁺ ion exchange properties in aqueous solutions in the presence and absence of competing ions.

Facile modification of ZIF-8 mixed matrix membrane for CO2/CH4 separation: synthesis and preparation

The MMM consisting of ZIF-8 after facile ammonia modification provides excellent separation properties with increases CO₂ permeability up to 43% and ideal CO₂/CH₄ selectivity up to 72% even only 0.5 wt% fillers were embodied.

Tuning the functional sites in metal–organic frameworks to modulate CO2 heats of adsorption

Tuning the functional sites in metal–organic frameworks provides one strategy to vary the CO₂ adsorption properties – this highlight article provides insight into modulation of another key performance criterion, namely the isosteric heat of adsorption, and its influence on CO₂ capture.

Influence of gas packing and orientation on FTIR activity for CO chemisorption to the Cu paddlewheel

In situ Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is able to probe structural defects via site-specific adsorption of CO to the Cu-BTC (BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate) metal–organic framework (MOF).

A Mn(ii) coordination framework incorporating the redox-active tris(4-(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl)amine ligand (NPy3): electrochemical and spectral properties

Investigation of the electronic and spectral properties of a redox-active Mn²⁺ coordination framework revealed the accessibility of the oxidised state of the framework upon oxidation.

The Chemistry and Applications of Metal-Organic Frameworks

Crystalline metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are formed by reticular synthesis, which creates strong bonds between inorganic and organic units. Careful selection of MOF constituents can yield crystals of ultrahigh porosity and high thermal and chemical stability. These characteristics allow the interior of MOFs to be chemically altered for use in gas separation, gas storage, and catalysis, among other applications. The precision commonly exercised in their chemical modification and the ability to expand their metrics without changing the underlying topology have not been achieved with other solids. MOFs whose chemical composition and shape of building units can be multiply varied within a particular structure already exist and may lead to materials that offer a synergistic combination of properties.

Post‐synthetic Modification of MOFs

Post‐synthetic modification is increasingly recognised as an important and versatile tool in the preparation of functionalised metal organic frameworks (MOFs). The process involves one or more reactions on a pre‐formed MOF, and it can be used to prepare MOFs that are not accessible by direct combination of metal and linker. This review explores the methods and strategies that have been developed for post‐synthetically modifying MOFs, concentrating on four classes of reaction: covalent transformations of the linker, coordination of a metal centre to a linker, modification of the inorganic part of the MOF and exchange of counter‐ions. Examples of the use of the modified MOFs are given, with a focus on their utility in catalysis.

Enhancing selective CO2 adsorption via chemical reduction of a redox-active metal-organic framework

A new microporous framework, Zn(NDC)(DPMBI) (where NDC = 2,7-naphthalene dicarboxylate and DPMBI = N,N'-di-(4-pyridylmethyl)-1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxydiimide), containing the redox-active benzenetetracarboxydiimide (also known as pyromellitic diimide) ligand core has been crystallographically characterised and exhibits a BET surface area of 608.2 ± 0.7 m(2) g(-1). The crystallinity of the material is retained upon chemical reduction with sodium naphthalenide (NaNp), which generates the monoradical anion of the pyromellitic diimide ligand in the framework Zn(NDC)(DPMBI)·Na(x) (where x represents the molar Na(+)/Zn(2+) ratio of 0.109, 0.233, 0.367 and 0.378 from ICP-AES), as determined by EPR, solid state Vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. The CO2 uptake in the reduced materials relative to the neutral framework is enhanced up to a Na(+)/Zn(2+) molar ratio of 0.367; however, beyond this concentration the surface area and CO2 uptake decrease due to pore obstruction. The CO2 isosteric heat of adsorption (|Q(st)|) and CO2/N2 selectivity (S), obtained from pure gas adsorption isotherms and Ideal Adsorbed Solution Theory (IAST) calculations, are also maximised relative to the neutral framework at this concentration of the alkali metal counter-ion. The observed enhancement in the CO2 uptake, selectivity and isoteric heat of adsorption has been attributed to stronger interactions between CO2 and both the radical DPMBI ligand backbone and the occluded Na(+) ions.