Double−Step Gas Sorption of a Two−Dimensional Metal−Organic Framework

Insight into the Gas-Induced Phase Transformations in a 2D Switching Coordination Network via Coincident Gas Sorption and In Situ PXRD

Switching coordination networks (CNs) that reversibly transform between narrow or closed pore (cp) and large pore (lp) phases, though fewer than their rigid counterparts, offer opportunities for sorption-related applications. However, their structural transformations and switching mechanisms remain underexplored at the molecular level. In this study, we conducted a systematic investigation into a 2D switching CN, [Ni(bpy)2(NCS)2]n, sql-1-Ni-NCS (1 = bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine), using coincident gas sorption and in situ powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) under low-temperature conditions. Gas adsorption measurements revealed that C2H4 (169 K) and C2H6 (185 K) exhibited single-step type F-IVs sorption isotherms with sorption uptakes of around 180-185 cm3 g-1, equivalent to four sorbate molecules per formula unit. Furthermore, parallel in situ PXRD experiments provided insight into sorbate-dependent phase switching during the sorption process. Specifically, CO2 sorption induced single-step phase switching (path I) solely between cp and lp phases consistent with the observed single-step type F-IVs sorption isotherm. By contrast, intermediate pore (ip) phases emerged during C2H4 and C2H6 desorption as well as C3H6 adsorption, although they remained undetectable in the sorption isotherms. To our knowledge, such a cp-lp-ip-cp transformation (path II) induced by C2H4/6 and accompanied by single-step type F-IVs sorption isotherms represents a novel type of phase transition mechanism in switching CNs. By virtue of Rietveld refinements and molecular simulations, we elucidated that the phase transformations are governed by cooperative local and global structural changes involving NCS- ligand reorientation, bpy ligand twist and rotation, cavity edge (Ni-bpy-Ni) deformation, and interlayer expansion and sliding.

Recent Progress in 2D Metal-Organic Framework-Related Materials

2D metal-organic frameworks-based (2D MOF-related) materials benefit from variable topological structures, plentiful open active sites, and high specific surface areas, demonstrating promising applications in gas storage, adsorption and separation, energy conversion, and other domains. In recent years, researchers have innovatively designed multiple strategies to avoid the adverse effects of conventional methods on the synthesis of high-quality 2D MOFs. This review focuses on the latest advances in creative synthesis techniques for 2D MOF-related materials from both the top-down and bottom-up perspectives. Subsequently, the strategies are categorized and summarized for synthesizing 2D MOF-related composites and their derivatives. Finally, the current challenges are highlighted faced by 2D MOF-related materials and some targeted recommendations are put forward to inspire researchers to investigate more effective synthesis methods.

The Effect of Pendent Groups upon Flexibility in Coordination Networks with Square Lattice Topology

Gas or vapor-induced phase transformations in flexible coordination networks (CNs) offer the potential to exceed the performance of their rigid counterparts for separation and storage applications. However, whereas ligand modification has been used to alter the properties of such stimulus-responsive materials, they remain understudied compared with their rigid counterparts. Here, we report that a family of Zn2+ CNs with square lattice (sql) topology, differing only through the substituents attached to a linker, exhibit variable flexibility. Structural and CO2 sorption studies on the sql networks, [Zn(5-Ria)(bphy)]n, ia = isophthalic acid, bphy = 1,2-bis(pyridin-4-yl)hydrazine, R = -CH3, -OCH3, -C(CH3)3, -N=N-Ph, and -N=N-Ph(CH3)2, 2-6, respectively, revealed that the substituent moieties influenced both structural and gas sorption properties. Whereas 2-3 exhibited rigidity, 4, 5, and 6 exhibited reversible transformation from small pore to large pore phases. Overall, the insight into the profound effect of pendent moieties of linkers upon phase transformations in this family of layered CNs should be transferable to other CN classes.

Structural Phase Transformations Induced by Guest Molecules in a Nickel-Based 2D Square Lattice Coordination Network

Herein, we report the crystal structure and guest binding properties of a new two-dimensional (2D) square lattice (sql) topology coordination network, sql-(azpy)(pdia)-Ni, which is comprised of two linker ligands with diazene (azo) moieties, (E)-1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)diazene(azpy) and (E)-5-(phenyldiazenyl)isophthallate(pdia). sql-(azpy)(pdia)-Ni underwent guest-induced switching between a closed (nonporous) β phase and several open (porous) α phases, but unlike the clay-like layer expansion to distinct phases previously reported in switching sql networks, a continuum of phases was formed. In effect, sql-(azpy)(pdia)-Ni exhibited elastic-like properties induced by adaptive guest binding. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) studies of the α phases revealed that the structural transformations were enabled by the pendant phenyldiazenyl moiety on the pdia^2- ligand. This moiety functioned as a type of hinge to enable parallel slippage of layers and interlayer expansion for the following guests: N,N-dimethylformamide, water, dichloromethane, para-xylene, and ethylbenzene. The slippage angle (interplanar distances) ranged from 54.133° (4.442 Å) in the β phase to 69.497° (5.492 Å) in the ethylbenzene-included phase. Insight into the accompanying phase transformations was also gained from variable temperature powder XRD studies. Dynamic water vapor sorption studies revealed a stepped isotherm with little hysteresis that was reversible for at least 100 cycles. The isotherm step occurred at ca. 50% relative humidity (RH), the optimal RH value for humidity control.

Fluorinated metal-organic frameworks for gas separation

Fluorinated metal-organic frameworks (F-MOFs) as fast-growing porous materials have revolutionized the field of gas separation due to their tunable pore apertures, appealing chemical features, and excellent stability. A deep understanding of their structure-performance relationships is critical for the synthesis and development of new F-MOFs. This critical review has focused on several strategies for the precise design and synthesis of new F-MOFs with structures tuned for specific gas separation purposes. First, the basic principles and concepts of F-MOFs as well as their structure, synthesis and modification and their structure to property relationships are studied. Then, applications of F-MOFs in adsorption and membrane gas separation are discussed. A detailed account of the design and capabilities of F-MOFs for the adsorption of various gases and the governing principles is provided. In addition, the exceptional characteristics of highly stable F-MOFs with engineered pore size and tuned structures are put into perspective to fabricate selective membranes for gas separation. Systematic analysis of the position of F-MOFs in gas separation revealed that F-MOFs are benchmark materials in most of the challenging gas separations. The outlook and future directions of the science and engineering of F-MOFs and their challenges are highlighted to tackle the issues of overcoming the trade-off between capacity/permeability and selectivity for a serious move towards industrialization.

Design and synthesis of new luminescent coordination networks of topology showing the highest degrees of interpenetration

The highest degree of interpenetration reported so far of 7- and 8-fold is realized in two luminescent sql 2D networks by self-assembly of a new nanometric-sized ligand with Ag(i) salts.

Structural Transitions during the Water Sorption Process in two Layered Metal Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks and the Effect of the H-Bonds Strength between the Layers

The supramolecular network material [Co(amp)3][Cr(ox)3] (amp = 2-aminomethylpyridine, ox = oxalate) (I’) shows in its powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) carpet plot during the water adsorption process two sets of diffraction...

Self-assembly of [Sn(OPMe3)3(CF3SO3)2]6 metallocyclic Sn(ii) hexamer stacks with CF3-lined channel interiors

The preparation, spectroscopic and structural characterisation of a [Sn(OPMe3)3(CF3SO3)2]6, a Sn(ii)-based metallocyclic hexamer, containing hydrophobic CF3-lined 8.0 Å diameter channels is reported.

Spiers Memorial Lecture: Coordination networks that switch between nonporous and porous structures: an emerging class of soft porous crystals

Coordination networks (CNs) are a class of (usually) crystalline solids typically comprised of metal ions or cluster nodes linked into 2 or 3 dimensions by organic and/or inorganic linker ligands. Whereas CNs tend to exhibit rigid structures and permanent porosity as exemplified by most metal-organic frameworks, MOFs, there exists a small but growing class of CNs that can undergo extreme, reversible structural transformation(s) when exposed to gases, vapours or liquids. These "soft" or "stimuli-responsive" CNs were introduced two decades ago and are attracting increasing attention thanks to two features: the amenability of CNs to design from first principles, thereby enabling crystal engineering of families of related CNs; and the potential utility of soft CNs for adsorptive storage and separation. A small but growing subset of soft CNs exhibit reversible phase transformations between nonporous (closed) and porous (open) structures. These "switching CNs" are distinguished by stepped sorption isotherms coincident with phase transformation and, perhaps counterintuitively, they can exhibit benchmark properties with respect to working capacity (storage) and selectivity (separation). This review addresses fundamental and applied aspects of switching CNs through surveying their sorption properties, analysing the structural transformations that enable switching, discussing structure-function relationships and presenting design principles for crystal engineering of the next generation of switching CNs.

Enhancing the enzymatic inhibition performance of Cu-based metal-organic frameworks by shortening the organic ligands

Creating more exposed active sites on the metal-organic framework (MOF) surface is crucial for enhancing the recognition ability of MOF artificial receptors. Here, a copper-based MOF Cu(im)₂ (im = imidazole) was utilized to act as an artificial receptor, inhibiting the activity of α-chymotrypsin. The shortest diazole ligand reduced the distance between regenerative copper sites, creating as many active sites as possible on the MOF unit surface. The amount of copper(ii) centers on the Cu(im)₂ surface was calculated to be 4.96 × 10⁶μm^-2. Thus, Cu(im)₂ showed exceedingly higher inhibition performance than other copper-based MOFs. The ChT activity was almost inhibited (88.8%) after the incubation with only 20 μg mL^-1 Cu(im)₂ for 10 min. The binding between ChT and Cu(im)₂ was very fast with high affinity. Further results proved that Cu(im)₂ inhibited the activity of ChT through electrostatic interactions and coordination interactions via the mixed inhibition mode. This strategy to use short ligands to create more active sites on the MOF surface provides a new direction to enhance the inhibition efficiency.

Trapping and Releasing of Oxygen in Liquid by Metal-Organic Framework with Light and Heat

Nanoporous materials can adsorb small molecules into their nanospaces. However, the trapping of light gas molecules dissolved in solvents suffers from low concentration and poor adsorption affinity. Here, the reversible trapping and releasing of dissolved oxygen are shown through integrating photosensitization and chemical capturing abilities into a metal-organic framework (MOF), MOMF-1. 9,10-Di(4-pyridyl)anthracene (dpa) ligands in MOMF-1 generates singlet oxygen from triplet oxygen under photoirradiation without additional photosensitizers, and successively reacts with it to produce anthracene endoperoxide, forming MOMF-2, which is proved crystallographically. The reverse reaction also proceeds quantitatively by heating MOMF-2. Moreover, MOMF-1 exhibits excellent water resistance, and completely removes oxygen of ppm order concentrations in water. The new material shown in this report allows controlling of the amount of dissolved oxygen, which can be applicable in various fields relating to numerous oxidation phenomena.

Molecular motion in the nanospace of MOFs upon gas adsorption investigated by in situ Raman spectroscopy

Molecular motions taking place in the nanospace of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are an interesting research subject, although not yet fully investigated. In this work, we utilized in situ Raman spectroscopy in the ultralow-frequency region to investigate the libration motion (including the rotational motion of phenylene rings) of MOFs, in particular [Cu₂(bdc)₂(dabco)] (Cu-JAST-1), where bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate and dabco = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. The libration mode of Cu-JAST-1 was found to be significantly suppressed by the adsorption of various guest molecules, such as CO₂, Ar, and N₂. In addition, an appreciable correlation between the libration mode and adsorption equilibrium time was identified, which provides useful novel tools in the design of MOFs acting as molecular adsorption and separation materials.

Recent Advances in Photocatalytic CO2 Utilisation Over Multifunctional Metal–Organic Frameworks

The efficient conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to high-value chemicals using renewable solar energy is a highly attractive but very challenging process that is used to address ever-growing energy demands and environmental issues. In recent years, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have received significant research attention owing to their tuneability in terms of their composition, structure, and multifunctional characteristics. The functionalisation of MOFs by metal nanoparticles (NPs) is a promising approach used to enhance their light absorption and photocatalytic activity. The efficient charge separation and strong CO2 binding affinity of hybrid MOF-based photocatalysts facilitate the CO2 conversion process. This review summarises the latest advancements involving noble metal, non-noble-metal, and miscellaneous species functionalised MOF-based hybrid photocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 to carbon monoxide (CO) and other value-added chemicals. The novel synthetic strategies and their corresponding structure–property relationships have also been discussed for solar-to-chemical energy conversion. Furthermore, the current challenges and prospects in practical applications are also highlighted for sustainable energy production.

Shear Exfoliated Metal-Organic Framework Nanosheet-Enabled Flexible Sensor for Real-Time Monitoring of Superoxide Anion

Recently, two-dimensional metal-organic framework (2D MOF) nanosheets have drawn a lot of attention on account of their various advantages, like ultrathin thickness, ultralarge specific surface area, abundant accessible active sites, favorable solution dispersion properties, and ease of designability. However, until now, it is still difficult to produce 2D MOF nanosheets in large scale, which hinders the practical applications of 2D MOF nanosheets. Here, for the first time, we introduced a novel shear exfoliation method to prepare scalable 2D MOF nanosheets by using a commercial blender. As a proof of concept, we used two kinds of layer-structured MOFs (ELM-12, Cu(bpy)₂(OTf)₂, bpy = 4,4-bipyridine, OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate and Zn₂(bim)₄, bim = benzimidazole) as samples to prepare MOF nanosheets. The thickness of the two kinds of MOF nanosheets obtained is 3-5 nm. Notably, the exfoliated MOF nanosheet (ELM-12) shows improved electrochemical catalytic activity compared with its bulk counterpart. Based on this, an ELM-12 nanosheet-based flexible sensor was developed for detecting superoxide anions (O₂^•-) released from cancer cells. The fabricated flexible sensor displays excellent sensitivity, selectivity, flexibility, stability, and reproducibility.

A flexible two-dimensional layered metal–organic framework functionalized with (trifluoromethyl)trifluoroborate: synthesis, crystal structure, and adsorption/separation properties

A two-dimensional layered metal–organic framework functionalized with (trifluoromethyl)trifluoroborate (ELM-13) shows gate-type adsorption properties and good CO₂ selectivity from a CO₂/N₂ mixture at 273 K.

Two-step gas adsorption induced by the transmetallation in a two-dimensional metal–organic framework

Transmetallation of Zn²⁺ with Cu²⁺ in a two-dimensional metal–organic framework, Zn₃(TCPB)₂(H₂O)₂ (H₃TCPB = 1,3,5-tri(4-carboxyphenoxy)benzene), leads to two-step and reversible gas adsorption.

Highly Selective and Reversible Sulfur Dioxide Adsorption on a Microporous Metal-Organic Framework via Polar Sites

It is very challenging to achieve efficient and deep desulfurization, especially in flue gases with an extremely low SO₂ concentration. Herein, we report a microporous metal-organic framework (ELM-12) with specific polar sites and proper pore size for the highly efficient SO₂ removal from flue gas and other SO₂-containing gases. A high SO₂ capacity of 61.2 cm³·g^-1 combined with exceptionally outstanding selectivity of SO₂/CO₂ (30), SO₂/CH₄ (871), and SO₂/N₂ (4064) under ambient conditions (i.e., 10:90 mixture at 298 K and 1 bar) was achieved. Notably, the SO₂/N₂ selectivity is unprecedented among ever reported values of porous materials. Moreover, the dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations illustrated the superior SO₂ capture ability and selectivity arise from the high-density SO₂ binding sites of the CF₃SO₃^- group in the pore cavity (S^δ+···O^δ- interactions) and aromatic linkers in the pore walls (H^δ+···O^δ- interactions). Dynamic breakthrough experiments confirm the regeneration stability and excellent separation performance. Furthermore, ELM-12 is also stable after exposure to SO₂, water vapor, and organic solvents.

Interpenetration Isomerism in Triptycene-Based Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks

We describe an example of "interpenetration isomerism" in three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks. By exploiting the crystallization conditions for a peripherally extended triptycene H₆ PET, we can modulate the interpenetration of the assembled frameworks, yielding a two-fold interpenetrated structure PETHOF-1 and a five-fold interpenetrated structure PETHOF-2 as interpenetration isomers. In PETHOF-1, two individual nets are related by inversion symmetry and form an interwoven topology with a large guest-accessible volume of about 80 %. In PETHOF-2, five individual nets are related by translational symmetry and are stacked in an alternating fashion. The activated materials show permanent porosity with Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface areas exceeding 1100 m²  g^-1 . Synthetic control over the framework interpenetration could serve as a new strategy to construct complex supramolecular architectures from simple organic building blocks.

Influence of Metal Substitution on the Pressure-Induced Phase Change in Flexible Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks that display step-shaped adsorption profiles arising from discrete pressure-induced phase changes are promising materials for applications in both high-capacity gas storage and energy-efficient gas separations. The thorough investigation of such materials through chemical diversification, gas adsorption measurements, and in situ structural characterization is therefore crucial for broadening their utility. We examine a series of isoreticular, flexible zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) of the type M(bim)₂ (SOD; M = Zn (ZIF-7), Co (ZIF-9), Cd (CdIF-13); bim^- = benzimidazolate), and elucidate the effects of metal substitution on the pressure-responsive phase changes and the resulting CO₂ and CH₄ step positions, pre-step uptakes, and step capacities. Using ZIF-7 as a benchmark, we reexamine the poorly understood structural transition responsible for its adsorption steps and, through high-pressure adsorption measurements, verify that it displays a step in its CH₄ adsorption isotherms. The ZIF-9 material is shown to undergo an analogous phase change, yielding adsorption steps for CO₂ and CH₄ with similar profiles and capacities to ZIF-7, but with shifted threshold pressures. Further, the Cd²⁺ analogue CdIF-13 is reported here for the first time, and shown to display adsorption behavior distinct from both ZIF-7 and ZIF-9, with negligible pre-step adsorption, a ∼50% increase in CO₂ and CH₄ capacity, and dramatically higher threshold adsorption pressures. Remarkably, a single-crystal-to-single-crystal phase change to a pore-gated phase is also achieved with CdIF-13, providing insight into the phase change that yields step-shaped adsorption in these flexible ZIFs. Finally, we show that the endothermic phase change of these frameworks provides intrinsic heat management during gas adsorption.

Elucidating the Formation and Transformation Mechanisms of the Switchable Metal-Organic Framework ELM-11 by Powder and Single-Crystal EPR Study

The effect of the synthesis conditions on the structure and guest-responsive properties of a "gate pressure" metal-organic framework (MOF) with composition [Cu(4,4'-bipy)₂(BF₄)₂] _n (4,4'-bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine), also known as ELM-11 (ELM = elastic layer material) was investigated. Two different batches of ELM-11, synthesized from water-methanol and water-acetonitrile solutions, have been entirely characterized by PXRD, nitrogen (77 K) and carbon dioxide (195 K) physisorption, elemental analysis, DRIFT, TG, and SEM. Both ELM-11 samples were studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy in order to follow the change in the local structure of the copper ion during the activation and resolvation. Continuous wave X-band EPR measurements on powder samples provided an elongated octahedral coordination symmetry of the cupric ions and revealed different axial ligands in the as-synthesized and activated forms in both bulk samples of ELM-11. One of the procedures was amended in order to slow down the crystallization that allows isolation of single crystals of two polymorphic modifications of Cu-4,4'-bipyridine coordination polymers, namely [Cu(4,4'-bipy)₂(CH₃CN)₂](BF₄)₂ and [Cu₂O(4,4'-bipy)₃(CH₃CN)₄](BF₄)₂, one of which shows a crystal structure similar to that of ELM-11. Further single-crystal EPR experiments on the as-synthesized material [Cu(4,4'-bipy)₂(CH₃CN)₂](BF₄)₂ revealed the orientation of the g tensor of the cupric ions and proved that layers of acetonitrile-synthesized ELM-11 are arranged perpendicularly to the crystallographic c axis.

Tuning the gate-opening pressure and particle size distribution of the switchable metal-organic framework DUT-8(Ni) by controlled nucleation in a micromixer

Controlled nucleation in a micromixer and further crystal growth were used to synthesize Ni₂(2,6-ndc)₂dabco (2,6-ndc - 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate, dabco - 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), also termed DUT-8(Ni) (DUT = Dresden University of Technology), with narrow particle size distribution in a range of a few nm to several μm. The crystal size was found to significantly affect the switching characteristics, in particular the gate opening pressure in nitrogen adsorption isotherms at 77 K for this highly porous and flexible network. Below a critical size of about 500 nm, a type Ia isotherm typical of rigid MOFs is observed, while above approximately 1000 nm a pronounced gating behaviour is detected, starting at p/p₀ = 0.2. With increasing crystal size this transition gate becomes steeper indicating a more uniform distribution of activation energies within the crystal ensemble. At an intermediate size (500-1000 nm), the DUT-8(Ni) crystals close during activation but cannot be reopened by nitrogen at 77 K possibly indicating monodomain switching.

Overcoming double-step CO2 adsorption and minimizing water co-adsorption in bulky diamine-appended variants of Mg2(dobpdc)

Alkyldiamine-functionalized variants of the metal-organic framework Mg2(dobpdc) (dobpdc4- = 4,4'-dioxidobiphenyl-3,3'-dicarboxylate) are promising for CO2 capture applications owing to their unique step-shaped CO2 adsorption profiles resulting from the cooperative formation of ammonium carbamate chains. Primary,secondary (1°,2°) alkylethylenediamine-appended variants are of particular interest because of their low CO2 step pressures (≤1 mbar at 40 °C), minimal adsorption/desorption hysteresis, and high thermal stability. Herein, we demonstrate that further increasing the size of the alkyl group on the secondary amine affords enhanced stability against diamine volatilization, but also leads to surprising two-step CO2 adsorption/desorption profiles. This two-step behavior likely results from steric interactions between ammonium carbamate chains induced by the asymmetrical hexagonal pores of Mg2(dobpdc) and leads to decreased CO2 working capacities and increased water co-adsorption under humid conditions. To minimize these unfavorable steric interactions, we targeted diamine-appended variants of the isoreticularly expanded framework Mg2(dotpdc) (dotpdc4- = 4,4''-dioxido-[1,1':4',1''-terphenyl]-3,3''-dicarboxylate), reported here for the first time, and the previously reported isomeric framework Mg-IRMOF-74-II or Mg2(pc-dobpdc) (pc-dobpdc4- = 3,3'-dioxidobiphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylate, pc = para-carboxylate), which, in contrast to Mg2(dobpdc), possesses uniformally hexagonal pores. By minimizing the steric interactions between ammonium carbamate chains, these frameworks enable a single CO2 adsorption/desorption step in all cases, as well as decreased water co-adsorption and increased stability to diamine loss. Functionalization of Mg2(pc-dobpdc) with large diamines such as N-(n-heptyl)ethylenediamine results in optimal adsorption behavior, highlighting the advantage of tuning both the pore shape and the diamine size for the development of new adsorbents for carbon capture applications.

Tuning the gate opening pressure of a flexible doubly interpenetrated metal–organic framework through ligand functionalization

JLU-Liu33F has been solvothermally synthesized by utilizing the ligand functionalization strategy. Compared with JLU-Liu33, JLU-Liu33F exhibits a completely different breathing behavior.

Two-dimensional metal–organic framework nanosheets: synthesis and applications

Synthesis and applications of two-dimensional metal–organic framework nanosheets and their composites are summarized.

Bulky substituent and solvent-induced alternative nodes for layered Cd–isophthalate/acylhydrazone frameworks

A series of three layered cadmium–organic frameworks containing acylhydrazone and (un)substituted isophthalates have been prepared and characterised.

Double-Step Gate Phenomenon in CO2 Sorption of an Elastic Layer-Structured MOF

A double-step CO2 sorption by [Cu(4,4'-bpy)2(BF4)2] (ELM-11) was observed during isothermal measurements at 195, 253, 273, and 298 K and was accompanied by interlayer expansion in the layered structure of ELM-11. The first step occurred in the range of the relative pressure (P/P0) from 10(-3) to 10(-2). The second step was observed at P/P0 ≈ 0.3 at the four temperatures. Structural changes in ELM-11 during the CO2 sorption process were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The structural change for the first step was well understood from a detailed structural analysis, as reported previously. The XRD results showed further expansion of the layers during the second step as compared to the already expanded structure in the first step, and both steps were found to be caused by the gate phenomenon. The energy for the expansion of the layer structure was estimated from experimental and simulated data.