T-Shaped Molecular Building Units in the Porous Structure of Ag(4,4‘-bpy)·NO3

Selective Chromium(VI) Trapping by an Acetate-Releasing Coordination Polymer

We report the high-capacity and selective uptake of Cr(VI) from water using the coordination polymer silver bipyridine acetate (SBA, [Ag(4,4'-bipy)][CH₃CO₂]·3H₂O). Cr capture involves the release of acetate, and we have structurally characterized two of the product phases that form: silver bipyridine chromate (SBC, SLUG-56, [Ag(4,4'-bipy)][CrO₄]_0.5·3.5H₂O) and silver bipyridine dichromate (SBDC, SLUG-57, [Ag(4,4'-bipy)][Cr₂O₇]_0.5·H₂O). SBA maintains a high Cr uptake capacity over a wide range of pH values (2-10), reaching a maximum of 143 mg Cr/g at pH 4. This Cr uptake capacity is one of the highest among coordination polymers. SBA offers the additional benefits of a one-step, room temperature, aqueous synthesis and its release of a non-toxic anion following Cr(VI) capture, acetate. Furthermore, SBA capture of Cr(VI) remains >97% in the presence of a 50-fold molar excess of sulfate, nitrate, or carbonate. We also investigated the Cr(VI) sequestration abilities of silver 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane nitrate (SEN, [Ag(4,4'-bpe)][NO₃]) and structurally characterized the silver 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane chromate (SEC, SLUG-58, [Ag(4,4'-bpe)][CrO₄]_0.5) product. SEN was, however, a less effective Cr(VI) sequestering material than SBA.

Effectively Decontaminating Protein-Bound Uremic Toxins in Human Serum Albumin Using Cationic Metal-Organic Frameworks

In the field of replacement of conventional dialysis treatment, searching superior materials for removal of protein-bound uremic toxins is a challenge on account of strong interactions between proteins and uremic toxins. Herein, we first adopted cationic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), ZJU-X6 and ZJU-X7, as sorbents to decontaminate uremic toxins (p-cresyl sulfate and indoxyl sulfate). ZJU-X6 and ZJU-X7 exhibited innate advantage for sequestration of uremic toxins by utilizing a positive charge framework with exchangeable anions. Especially, ZJU-X6 showed a higher sorption capacity and faster sorption kinetics than those of most reported materials. Moreover, the cationic MOF materials could selectively remove uremic toxins even if in the presence of competitive chloride ions and proteins. Meanwhile, pair distribution function (PDF) and density functional theory (DFT) were employed to elucidate the sorption mechanism between uremic toxins and sorbents. This work suggests an attractive avenue for constructing new types of sorbents to eliminate uremic toxins for uremia treatment.

Anodic Stripping Voltammetric Analysis of Trace Arsenic(III) on a Au-Stained Au Nanoparticles/Pyridine/Carboxylated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/Glassy Carbon Electrode

A Au-stained Au nanoparticle (Aus)/pyridine (Py)/carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (C-MWCNTs)/glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was prepared for the sensitive analysis of As(III) by cast-coating of C-MWCNTs on a GCE, electroreduction of 4-cyanopyridine (cPy) to Py, adsorption of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and gold staining. The Py/C-MWCNTs/GCE can provide abundant active surface sites for the stable loading of AuNPs and then the AuNPs-initiated Au staining in HAuCl4 + NH2OH solution, giving a large surface area of Au on the Aus/Py/C-MWCNTs/GCE for the linear sweep anodic stripping voltammetry (LSASV) analysis of As(III). At a high potential-sweep rate of 5 V s-1, sharp two-step oxidation peaks of As(0) to As(III) and As(III) to As(V) were obtained to realize the sensitive dual-signal detection of As(III). Under optimal conditions, the ASLSV peak currents for oxidation of As(0) to As(III) and of As(III) to As(V) are linear with a concentration of As(III) from 0.01 to 8 μM with a sensitivity of 0.741 mA μM-1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 3.3 nM (0.25 ppb) (S/N = 3), and from 0.01 to 8.0 μM with a sensitivity of 0.175 mA μM-1 and an LOD of 16.7 nM (1.20 ppb) (S/N = 3), respectively. Determination of As(III) in real water samples yielded satisfactory results.

Hydrogen Bonding Directed Self-Assembly of a Binuclear Ag(I) Metallacycle into a 1D Supramolecular Polymer

An Ag(I) metallacycle obtained unexpectedly during the preparation of Pd(II) complexes of the bifunctional ligand 5-([2,2′-bipyridin]-5-yl)pyrimidine-2-amine (L) has been characterized using X-ray structure determination as a binuclear, metallacyclic species [Ag₂L₂](SbF₆)₂, where both the bipyridine and pyrimidine-N donors of L are involved in coordination to the metal. The full coordination environment of the Ag(I) defines a case of highly irregular 4-coordination. In the crystal, the Ag-metallacycles assemble into one-dimensional supramolecular metalladynamers linked together by hydrogen-bonding interactions.

Boosting Oxygen Electroreduction over Strained Silver

Manipulating the strain effect of Ag without any foreign metals to boost its intrinsic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity is intriguing, but it remains a challenge. Herein, we developed a class of Ag-based electrocatalysts with tunable strain structures for efficient ORR via ligand-assisted competitive decomposition of Ag-organic complexes (AgOCs). Benefiting from the superior coordination capability, 4,4'-bipyridine as a ligand triggered a stronger competition with NaBH₄ for Ag ions during reduction-induced decomposition of AgOCs in comparison with the counterparts of the pyrazine ligand and the NO₃^- anion, which moderately modulated the compressive strain structure to upshift the d-band center of the catalyst and increase the electron density of Ag. Accordingly, the O₂ adsorption was obviously improved, and the stronger repulsion effect between the Ag sites and the 4e ORR product, i.e., the electron-rich OH^-, was generated to promote the desorption of OH^- via the Ag-OH bond cleavage, which enabled more Ag sites to be regenerated after ORR. Both of these led to an enhancement to the intrinsic ORR activity of the Ag-based catalyst. This competitive decomposition of metal-organic complex strategy would provide a facile method to design other catalysts with the well-tuned strain structures for energy conversion and heterocatalysis.

A hydrophobic semiconducting metal–organic framework assembled from silver chalcogenide wires

Silver chalcogenide wires are for the first time assembled into a rigid framework structure using a fluorinated carboxylate ligand, where electron transfer along Ag–S chains enables semi-conduction.

Advances in ligand-unsupported argentophilic interactions in crystal engineering: an emerging platform for supramolecular architectures

Ligand-unsupported argentophilic interactions are described, emphasizing reticular design and recent developments in advanced synthetic strategies, and highlighting diverse interactions that are useful for the construction of unmitigated networks.

Exploratory studies of a multidimensionally talented simple MnII-based porous network: selective “turn-on” recognition @ cysteine over homocysteine with an indication of cystinuria and renal dysfunction

Selective and real field detection of biothiols (Cys and Hcy) from aqueous and extra bio-matrices by a simple Mn^II-MOF.

Square Grid Metal-Chloranilate Networks as Robust Host Systems for Guest Sorption

Reaction of the chloranilate dianion with Y(NO₃ )₃ in the presence of Et₄ N⁺ in the appropriate proportions results in the formation of (Et₄ N)[Y(can)₂ ], which consists of anionic square-grid coordination polymer sheets with interleaved layers of counter-cations. These counter-cations, which serve as squat pillars between [Y(can)₂ ] sheets, lead to alignment of the square grid sheets and the subsequent generation of square channels running perpendicular to the sheets. The crystals are found to be porous and retain crystallinity following cycles of adsorption and desorption. This compound exhibits a high affinity for volatile guest molecules, which could be identified within the framework by crystallographic methods. In situ neutron powder diffraction indicates a size-shape complementarity leading to a strong interaction between host and guest for CO₂ and CH₄ . Single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments indicate significant interactions between the host framework and discrete I₂ or Br₂ molecules. A series of isostructural compounds (cat)[M^III (X-an)₂ ] with M=Sc, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Lu, Bi or In, cat=Et₄ N, Me₄ N and X-an=chloranilate, bromanilate or cyanochloranilate bridging ligands have been generated. The magnetic properties of representative examples (Et₄ N)[Gd(can)₂ ] and (Et₄ N)[Dy(can)₂ ] are reported with normal DC susceptibility but unusual AC susceptibility data noted for (Et₄ N)[Gd(can)₂ ].

Anion exchange dynamics in the capture of perchlorate by a cationic Ag-based MOF

We report a detailed study of the host-guest interaction for a cationic metal-organic framework that can reversibly capture perchlorate. The structural transformation and flexibility of silver 4,4'-bipyridine nitrate (SBN) upon formation of silver 4,4'-bipyridine perchlorate (SBP) was evaluated by monitoring the anion exchange dynamics using a combination of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) with multinuclear 13C, 15N and 109Ag solid-state NMR spectra at different time intervals of the anion exchange. The structural transformation from SBN to SBP is complete within 70 minutes and was determined to take place by a solvent-mediated process. This pathway is confirmed by the morphological changes of the two crystalline materials observed by SEM. This key understanding may lead to application of this material towards perchlorate capture.

Post-synthetic ion-exchange process in nanoporous metal–organic frameworks; an effective way for modulating their structures and properties

In this review paper, we considered all of the reports on the ion-exchange process which occur in the pores of MOFs. A comparison between MOFs before and after-exchange process and their applications were addressed.

Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Anion Exchange in a Gadolinium MOF: Incorporation of POMs and [AuCl₄]. Polymers (Basel) 2016;8:E171. [PMID: 30979261 PMCID: PMC6431858 DOI: 10.3390/polym8050171]

The encapsulation of functional molecules inside porous coordination polymers (also known as metal-organic frameworks, MOFs) has become of great interest in recent years at the field of multifunctional materials. In this article, we present a study of the effects of size and charge in the anion exchange process of a Gd based MOF, involving molecular species like polyoxometalates (POMs), and [AuCl₄]-. This post-synthetic modification has been characterized by IR, EDAX, and single crystal diffraction, which have provided unequivocal evidence of the location of the anion molecules in the framework.

Reversible, Selective Trapping of Perchlorate from Water in Record Capacity by a Cationic Metal-Organic Framework

We report the capture of ppm-level aqueous perchlorate in record capacity and kinetics via the complete anion exchange of a cationic metal-organic framework. Ambient conditions were used for both the synthesis of silver 4,4'-bipyridine nitrate (SBN) and the exchange, forming silver 4,4'-bipyridine perchlorate (SBP). The exchange was complete within 90 min, and the capacity was 354 mg/g, representing 99% removal. These values are greater than current anion exchangers such as the resins Amberlite IRA-400 (249 mg/g), Purolite A530E (104 mg/g), and layered double hydroxides (28 mg/g). Moreover, unlike resins and layered double hydroxides, SBN is fully reusable and displays 96% regeneration to SBN in nitrate solution, with new crystal formation allowing the indefinite cycling for perchlorate. We show seven cycles as proof of concept. Perchlorate contamination of water represents a serious health threat because it is a thyroid endocrine disruptor. This noncomplexing anionic pollutant is significantly mobile and environmentally persistent. Removal of other anionic pollutants from water such as chromate, pertechnetate, or arsenate may be possible by this methodology.

Anion- and Solvent-Induced Assembly and Reversible Structural Transformation of d(10)-Metal Coordination Architectures Containing N-(4-(4-Aminophenyloxy)phenyl)isonicotinamide

We set out studies on anion- and solvent-induced assembly based on the ligand N-(4-(4-aminophenyloxy)phenyl)isonicotinamide (papoa), which is synthesized to show a bent and flexible backbone. Reactions of papoa with ZnX2 (X=Cl, Br, and I) gave the dinuclear macrocycles ([ZnX2 (papoa)]2 ; X=Cl (1 a), Br (2 a), I (3)), the structure of which was determined by X-ray diffraction. Notably, the less bulky Cl and Br compounds afforded the coordinated imine in acetone (i.e., [ZnX2 (papoi)]2 , papoi=N-(4-(4-(propan-2-ylideneamino)phenoxy)phenyl)isonicotinamide; X=Cl (1 b), Br (2 b)), whereas the iodine one only gave the coordinated amine compound 3 under the same reaction condition. In fact, the coordinated imine can return to the amine analogue upon exposure to air or in DMSO, which has been monitored by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. Both the dinuclear [Zn(papoa)(NO3)2]2 (4 a) and the 1D [Zn(papoa)2(NO3)2]n (4 b) were formed from the reaction of Zn(NO3)2 and papoa in mixed solvents with acetone and acetonitrile, respectively. In addition, Cd(ClO4)2 can react with papoa to give the 1D framework {[Cd(papoa)2 (CH3CN)2](ClO4)2}n (5 a) and the 2D framework [Cd(papoa)2 (ClO4)2]n (5 b), depending on the solvent used, that is, MeOH and CH3CN, respectively. Importantly, the 1D framework with axially coordinated CH3 CN molecules and the 2D framework with axially coordinated ClO4(-) ions can be interconverted by heating and grinding in the presence of CH3CN, respectively. Such a reversible structural transformation process was proven by PXRD studies.

Templation of a square grid copper(II) 4,4'-bipyridine network by a 3D PtS-related Cu(I)-Cu(II) 4,4'-bipyridine crystal

Two cationic networks, [Cu(I)Cu(II)(4,4'bipy)4(H2O)2](3+) and [Cu(II)(4,4'bipy)2(H2O)2](2+) have been formed from a solution in which Cu(I) undergoes aerial oxidation. Whilst the topologies of the two networks are different the arrangement of Cu centres is almost identical, a structural feature which presumably allows for [Cu(I)Cu(II)(4,4'bipy)4(H2O)2](3+) to serve as a crystalline template for [Cu(II)(bipy)2(H2O)2](2+).

Neutral N-donor ligand based flexible metal–organic frameworks

This short review focuses on the flexibility aspect of MOFs based on neutral N-donor ligands with representative examples concerning the structural aspects and the subsequent properties induced by the reorganization of the frameworks.

Structural studies of metal–organic frameworks under high pressure

Over the last 10 years or so, the interest and number of high-pressure studies has increased substantially. One area of growth within this niche field is in the study of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs or coordination polymers). Here we present a review on the subject, where we look at the structural effects of both non-porous and porous MOFs, and discuss their mechanical and chemical response to elevated pressures.

Solvent-induced synthesis of cobalt(ii) coordination polymers based on a rigid ligand and flexible carboxylic acid ligands: syntheses, structures and magnetic properties

The structural formations for compounds 1–5 are effected by using different solvents or different carboxylic acid ligands.