Effective Combination of the Metal Centers in MOF-Based Materials toward Sustainable Oxidation Catalysts

A successful encapsulation of Keggin-type polyoxomolybdate (H₃[PMo₁₂O₄₀], PMo₁₂) into metal-organic framework (MOF) materials with an identical framework but distinct metal centers (ZIF-8 with Zn²⁺ and ZIF-67 with Co²⁺) was accomplished by a straightforward room-temperature procedure. The presence of Zn²⁺ in the composite material PMo₁₂@ZIF-8 instead of Co²⁺ in PMo₁₂@ZIF-67 caused a remarkable increase in the catalytic activity that achieved a total oxidative desulfurization of a multicomponent model diesel under moderate and friendly conditions (oxidant: H₂O₂ and solvent: ionic liquid, IL). Interestingly, the parent ZIF-8-based composite with the Keggin-type polyoxotungstate (H₃[PW₁₂O₄₀], PW₁₂), PW₁₂@ZIF-8, did not show the relevant catalytic activity. The ZIF-type supports present an appropriate framework to accommodate active polyoxometalates (POMs) into their cavities without leaching, but the nature of the metallic center from the POM and the metal present in the ZIF framework were vital for the catalytic performance of the composite materials.

Lindqvist@Nanoporous MOF-Based Catalyst for Effective Desulfurization of Fuels

An effective and sustainable oxidative desulfurization process for treating a multicomponent model fuel was successfully developed using as a heterogeneous catalyst a composite material containing as an active center the europium Lindqvist [Eu(W₅O₁₈)₂]^9- (abbreviated as EuW₁₀) encapsulated into the nanoporous ZIF-8 (zeolitic imidazolate framework) support. The EuW₁₀@ZIF-8 composite was obtained through an impregnation procedure, and its successful preparation was confirmed by various characterization techniques (FT-IR, XRD, SEM/EDS, ICP-OES). The catalytic activity of the composite and the isolated EuW₁₀ was evaluated in the desulfurization of a multicomponent model fuel containing dibenzothiophene derivatives (DBT, 4-MDBT and 4,6-DMDBT) with a total sulfur concentration of 1500 ppm. Oxidative desulfurization was performed using an ionic liquid as extraction solvent and aqueous hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. The catalytic results showed a remarkable desulfurization performance, with 99.5 and 94.7% sulfur removal in the first 180 min, for the homogeneous active center EuW₁₀ and the heterogeneous EuW₁₀@ZIF-8 catalysts, respectively. Furthermore, the stability of the nanocomposite catalyst was investigated by reusing and recycling processes. A superior retention of catalyst activity in consecutive desulfurization cycles was observed in the recycling studies when compared with the reusing experiments. Nevertheless, the nanostructure of ZIF-8 incorporating the active POM (polyoxometalate) was shown to be highly suitable for guaranteeing the absence of POM leaching, although structural modification was found for ZIF-8 after catalytic use that did not influenced catalytic performance.

MOF/POM hybrids as catalysts for organic transformations

Insertion of molecular metal oxides, e.g. polyoxometalates (POMs), into metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) opens up new research opportunities in various fields, particularly in catalysis. POM/MOF composites have strong acidity, oxygen-rich surface, and redox capacity due to typical characteristics of POMs and the large surface area, highly organized structures, tunable pore size, and shape are due to MOFs. Such hybrid materials have gained a lot of attention due to astonishing structural features, and hence have potential applications in organic catalysis, sorption and separation, proton conduction, magnetism, lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, electrochemistry, medicine, bio-fuel, and so on. The exceptional chemical and physical characteristics of POMOFs make them useful as catalysts in simple organic transformations with high capacity and selectivity. Here, the thorough catalytic study starts with a brief introduction related to POMs and MOFs, and is followed by the synthetic strategies and applications of these materials in several catalytic organic transformations. Furthermore, catalytic conversions like oxidation, condensation, esterification, and some other types of catalytic reactions including photocatalytic reactions are discussed in length with their plausible catalytic mechanisms. The disadvantages of the POMOFs and difficulties faced in the field have also been explored briefly from our perspectives.

Lindqvist versus Keggin-Type Polyoxometalates as Catalysts for Effective Desulfurization of Fuels

A correlation between polyoxotungstate structures and their catalytic performance for oxidative desulfurization processes was investigated. Bridged lanthanopolyoxometalates that incorporate identical metallic centers with Keggin- Eu[PW11O39]11− and Lindqvist-type [Eu(W5O18)2]9− structures were used as catalysts for the oxidation of the most representative refractory sulfur compounds. Both compounds were able to desulfurize a multicomponent model diesel under sustainable conditions, i.e., using ionic liquid as an extraction solvent and hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant. However, the Lindqvist catalyst appeared to achieve complete desulfurization faster than the Keggin catalyst while using a lesser amount of catalyst and oxidant. Furthermore, the reusable capacity of the Lindqvist-type [Eu(W5O18)2]9− was confirmed for consecutive oxidative desulfurization processes. The contribution of the lanthanide metallic center for the catalytic performance of these compounds was investigated by studying the analogous [TB(W5O18)2]9− compound. Identical desulfurization efficiency was obtained, even reusing this catalyst in consecutive reaction cycles. These results indicate that the active catalytic center of these compounds is probably related to the octahedral tungsten centers. However, a higher number of tungsten centers in the polyoxometalate structure did not result in higher catalytic activity.

Ionic Liquid-Based Polyoxometalate Incorporated at ZIF-8: A Sustainable Catalyst to Combine Desulfurization and Denitrogenation Processes

An effective and sustainable process capable of simultaneously execute desulfurization and denitrogenation of fuels is in fact an actual necessity in the refinery industry. The key to achieve this goal is the parallel oxidation of sulfur and nitrogen compounds present in fuels, which is only achieved by an active and recovered catalyst. A novel heterogeneous catalyst was successfully prepared by the encapsulation of an imidazolium-based polyoxometalate (POM) into a ZIF-8 framework ([BMIM]PMo₁₂@ZIF-8). This composite material revealed exceptional catalytic efficiency to concurrently proceed with the oxidative desulfurization and denitrogenation of a multicomponent model fuel containing various sulfur and nitrogen compounds. A complete removal of all these compounds was achieved after only one hour and the catalyst system was able to be reused for ten consecutive cycles without loss of efficiency. In fact, an ionic liquid POM was incorporated in the ZIF-8 for the first time, and this composite compound was originally applied as a catalyst for simultaneous oxidative desulfurization and denitrogenation processes.

Recent developments in MIL-101 metal organic framework for heterogeneous catalysis

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are currently gaining considerable attention as heterogeneous catalysts. Since the functionality of the framework and the pore size of the MOFs can be adjusted over a wide range for various catalytic reactions, the usage of these materials as solid catalysts is attractive. One of the preferred catalytic mesoMOFs is MIL-101 (MIL: Material of Institute Lavoisier) family which has been mainly investigated. The large surface area, high pore volumes, and acceptable solvent/thermal stability (MIL-101(Cr) up to 300 °C) have led the MIL-101 family to be considered an ideal and widespread MOF for use as a great heterogeneous catalyst or solid support for a variety of reactions. The objective of this review is to present recent research on the use of the MIL-101 family for heterogeneous catalysis in gas and liquid phase reactions.

Advances in Oxidative Desulfurization of Fuel Oils over MOFs-Based Heterogeneous Catalysts

Catalytic oxidative desulfurization (ODS) of fuel oils is considered one of the most promising non-hydrodesulfurization technologies due to the advantages of mild reaction conditions, low cost and easy removal of aromatic sulfur compounds. Based on this reason, the preparation of highly efficient ODS catalysts has been a hot research topic in this field. Recently, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted extensive attention due to the advantages involving abundant metal centers, high surface area, rich porosity and varied pore structures. For this, the synthesis and catalytic performance of the ODS catalysts based on MOFs materials have been widely studied. Until now, many research achievements have been obtained along this direction. In this article, we will review the advances in oxidative desulfurization of fuel oils over MOFs-based heterogeneous catalysts. The catalytic ODS performance over various types of catalysts is compared and discussed. The perspectives for future work are proposed in this field.

Functionalized polyoxometalate microspheres ensure selective adsorption of phosphoproteins and glycoproteins

Lacunary polyoxometalate (POM), [PW₉O₃₄]^9-, grafts with a boronic acid group attached via an organosilane bridge assemble into microspheres, PW₉-Si-APBA. The oxygen-rich and hydrophilic surface of POM facilitates the binding of phosphate groups in phosphoproteins and glycans in glycoproteins. While the metal-oxo in POM provides π-π interactions with the phosphate groups of phosphoproteins, the boronic acid group specifically binds to glycoproteins via the cis-diols of glycans. Therefore, these multi-driving forces ensure the selective adsorption of phosphoproteins and glycoproteins by PW₉-Si-APBA microspheres in biological sample matrixes, even in the presence of very high protein abundance, i.e., BSA, at mass ratio of β-ca/IgG/OVA/BSA = 1 : 1 : 1 : 200.

Heterogenisation of polyoxometalates and other metal-based complexes in metal–organic frameworks: from synthesis to characterisation and applications in catalysis

This review provides a thorough overview of composites with molecular catalysts (polyoxometalates, or organometallic or coordination complexes) immobilised into MOFs via non-covalent interactions.

An Effective Hybrid Heterogeneous Catalyst to Desulfurize Diesel: Peroxotungstate@Metal-Organic Framework

A peroxotungstate composite comprising the chromium terephthalate metal–organic framework MIL-101(Cr) and the Venturello peroxotungstate [PO₄{WO(O₂)₂}₄]³⁻ (PW₄) has been prepared by the impregnation method. The PW₄@MIL-101(Cr) composite presents high catalytic efficiency for oxidative desulfurization of a multicomponent model diesel containing the most refractory sulfur compounds present in real fuels (2000 ppm of total S). The catalytic performance of this heterogeneous catalyst is similar to the corresponding homogeneous PW₄ active center. Desulfurization efficiency of 99.7% was achieved after only 40 min at 70 °C using H₂O₂ as an oxidant and an ionic liquid as an extraction solvent ([BMIM]PF₆, 2:1 model diesel/[BMIM]PF₆). High recycling and reusing capacity was also found for PW₄@MIL-101(Cr), maintaining its activity for consecutive oxidative desulfurization cycles. A comparison of the catalytic performance of this peroxotungstate composite with others previously reported tungstate@MIL-101(Cr) catalysts indicates that the presence of active oxygen atoms from the peroxo groups promotes a higher oxidative catalytic efficiency in a shorter reaction time.

Insights to the oxidative desulfurization process of fossil fuels over organic and inorganic heterogeneous catalysts: advantages and issues

Strict environmental laws have been put in place around the world to reduce the amount of sulfur in the fuel to reduce the emissions of harmful gases from fuel combustion and improve air quality. Therefore, extensive researches have been undertaken to devise effective processes or to improve the desulfurization processes. Among the desulfurization processes, the oxidative desulfurization (ODS) process is a promising method to achieve very low and near-zero sulfur content of the fuel. In this process, sulfur compounds are converted to the corresponding sulfone by a catalyst and in the presence of an oxidant. The obtained compounds by polar solvents or adsorbents are removed from the fuel. In recent decades, extensive studies have been carried out on the catalysts used in the oxidative desulfurization process. In this review, a comprehensive survey has been performed on heterogeneous catalysts used in the oxidative desulfurization process. According to the reported researches, the heterogeneous catalysts used can be divided into five groups: ionic liquids, carbon materials, polyoxometalates, transition metal oxides stabilized on porous solid substrates, and metal-organic frameworks. The proposed mechanisms with different catalysts have also been studied in this work.

Solvent-Free Desulfurization System to Produce Low-Sulfur Diesel Using Hybrid Monovacant Keggin-Type Catalyst

Two quaternary ammonium catalysts based on the monovacant polyoxotungstate ([PW₁₁O₃₉]⁷⁻, abbreviated as PW₁₁) were prepared and characterized. The desulfurization performances of the PW₁₁-based hybrids (of tetrabutylammonium and trimethyloctadecylammonium, abbreviated as TBA[PW₁₁] and ODA[PW₁₁], respectively), the corresponding potassium salt (K₇PW₁₁O₃₉, abbreviated as KPW₁₁) and the peroxo-compound (TBA-PO₄[WO(O₂)₂], abbreviated as TBA[PW₄]) were compared as catalysts for the oxidative desulfurization of a multicomponent model diesel (2000 ppm S). The oxidative desulfurization studies (ODS) were performed using solvent-free systems and aqueous H₂O₂ as oxidant. The nature of the cation in the PW₁₁ catalyst showed to have an important influence on the catalytic performance. In fact, the PW₁₁-hybrid catalysts showed higher catalytic efficiency than the peroxo-compound TBA[PW₄], known as Venturello compound. TBA[PW₁₁] revealed a remarkable desulfurization performance with 96.5% of sulfur compounds removed in the first 130 min. The reusability and stability of the catalyst were also investigated for ten consecutive ODS cycles without loss of activity. A treated clean diesel could be recovered without sulfur compounds by performing a final liquid/liquid extraction diesel/EtOH:H₂O mixture (1:1) after the catalytic oxidative step.

Confining Polyoxometalate Clusters into Porous Aromatic Framework Materials for Catalytic Desulfurization of Dibenzothiophene

Removal of notorious sulfur compounds to produce low-sulfur-content (≤10 ppm) diesel is necessary and vital for modern industry and environmental protection. A new type of inorganic-organic hybrid material has been designed and synthesized via confining molybdenum-containing polyoxometalate (POM) clusters within porous aromatic framework-1 (PAF-1) cavities named POM-PAF-1. Deep oxidative desulfurization experiments reveal that POM-PAF-1 possesses excellent reactivity under mild conditions, exemplified by a sulfur removal degree of 98.5% dibenzothiophene within 30 min at 30 °C. The improvement in oxidative desulfurization reactivity from traditional porous POM-based catalysts is owing to uniform POMs and lipophilic and porous PAF-1. The high performance of POM-PAF-1 in terms of excellent reactivity and good stability means it has potential in new heterogeneous catalysis.

POM@MOF Hybrids: Synthesis and Applications

The hybrid materials that are created by supporting or incorporating polyoxometalates (POMs) into/onto metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have a unique set of properties. They combine the strong acidity, oxygen-rich surface, and redox capability of POMs, while overcoming their drawbacks, such as difficult handling, a low surface area, and a high solubility. MOFs are ideal hosts because of their high surface area, long-range ordered structure, and high tunability in terms of the pore size and channels. In some cases, MOFs add an extra dimension to the functionality of hybrids. This review summarizes the recent developments in the field of POM@MOF hybrids. The most common applied synthesis strategies are discussed, together with major applications, such as their use in catalysis (organocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and photocatalysis). The more than 100 papers on this topic have been systematically summarized in a handy table, which covers almost all of the work conducted in this field up to now.

Strategies for Incorporating Catalytically Active Polyoxometalates in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Organic Transformations

Polyoxometalates (POMs) can benefit from immobilization on solid supports to overcome their difficulty in processability and stability. Among the reported solid supports, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer a crystalline, versatile platform for depositing highly active POMs. The combination of these structures can at times benefit from the combined reactivity of both the POM and MOF, sometimes synergistically, to improve catalysis while balancing desirable properties like porosity, substrate diffusion, or stability. In this Review, we survey the strategies for immobilizing POMs within MOF structures, with an emphasis on how physical and catalytic properties of the parent materials are affected in the composite when employed in organic transformations.

Influence of UiO-66(Zr) Preparation Strategies in Its Catalytic Efficiency for Desulfurization Process

Porous metal-organic framework (MOF) materials UiO-66(Zr) obtained by solvothermal and microwave advanced synthesis (MWAS) procedures were characterized, and their catalytic efficiency was investigated for oxidative desulfurization (ODS) processes using a multicomponent model diesel containing benzothiophene and dibenzothiophene derivatives. The preparation parameters as the cooling time after oven use in the solvothermal procedure, and also the reaction time in the MWAS method seemed to play an important role in the catalytic performance of the UiO-66(Zr) material, as well as in its recycle capacity. The material prepared by the solvothermal procedure with a fast cooling time showed the best catalytic performance (desulfurization efficiency of 99.5% after 3 h). However, the application of the UiO-66(Zr) material prepared by the MWAS method (desulfurization efficiency of 96% after 3 h) conciliated a higher number of advantages, such as shorter reaction time preparation (15 min) and high catalytic activity for a higher number of reaction cycles. The UiO-66(Zr) prepared by the MWAS method was used for the first time in an oxidative desulfurization process, and according to the catalytic results obtained (high recycle capacity and stability) and shorter reaction time preparation, seems to be a promising material for industrial application.

Environmental friendly method of the epoxidation of limonene with hydrogen peroxide over the Ti-SBA-15 catalyst

This work presents the studies on the epoxidation of limonene to 1,2-epoxylimonene with hydrogen peroxide and over the titanium-silicate Ti-SBA-15 catalyst. The main object of the research was a solvent effect on the epoxidation process. The influence of solvents, such as: methanol, toluene, propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol), acetonitrile and ethanol has been studied. Furthermore, the influence of temperature in the range of 0-120°C and the reaction time in the range of 0.25-48 h have been investigated. Gas chromatography and iodometric titration methods were used to establish the products of this process and amount of the unreacted hydrogen peroxide. 1,2-Epoxylimonene, 1,2-epoxylimonene diol, perillyl alcohol, carvone and carveol have been determined as the main products of this process. All these compounds are very valuable raw materials for organic syntheses, medicine or cosmetic and food industry.

A size-matched POM@MOF composite catalyst for highly efficient and recyclable ultra-deep oxidative fuel desulfurization

A composite of Keggin-type phosphotungstic acid (H₃PW₁₂O₄₀) encapsulated in sized-matched metal–organic framework UiO-67 (PW₁₂@UiO-67) was prepared as a heterogeneous catalyst for extractive and catalytic oxidative desulfurization systems (ECODS).

K6P2W18O62 encapsulated into magnetic Fe3O4/MIL-101 (Cr) metal–organic framework: a novel magnetically recoverable nanoporous adsorbent for ultrafast treatment of aqueous organic pollutants solutions

In this study, a Wells–Dawson type K₆P₂W₁₈O₆₂ polyoxometalate was encapsulated into the magnetic Fe₃O₄/MIL-101 (Cr) metal–organic framework and applied as a new magnetically recoverable ternary adsorbent to remove organic dyes from aqueous solutions. The as-prepared ternary magnetically recyclable hybrid (denoted as P₂W₁₈O₆₂@Fe₃O₄/MIL-101 (Cr)) was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, EDX, SEM, BET surface area, and magnetic measurements. The results showed the successful encapsulation of K₆P₂W₁₈O₆₂ (∼26.5 wt%) into the magnetic Fe₃O₄/MIL-101 (Cr) framework. The magnetic hybrid had a high specific surface area of 934.89 m² g⁻¹. The adsorption efficiency of this nanohybrid for the removal of methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB), and methyl orange (MO) from aqueous solutions was evaluated. The magnetic nanohybrid demonstrated the fast and selective adsorption of cationic dyes from mixed dye solutions. The adsorption rate and capacity of P₂W₁₈O₆₂@Fe₃O₄/MIL-101 (Cr) were increased as compared with MIL-101 (Cr), P₂W₁₈O₆₂, and Fe₃O₄/MIL-101 samples due to the increased electrostatic attraction. The effects of parameters such as the adsorbent dosage, temperature, dye concentration, and pH were investigated on the adsorption process. The adsorption kinetics was analyzed by the Freundlich, Langmuir, and Temkin isotherm models and pseudo-second-order and pseudo-first-order kinetics models, with the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model found to be suitable to describe the equilibrium data. Also, the thermodynamic results of the nanohybrid indicated that the adsorption was an endothermic and spontaneous process. After the adsorption reaction, the magnetic nanohybrid could be easily separated and reused without any change in structure. Based on the results of this study, the nanohybrid was an efficient adsorbent for eliminating cationic dyes.

A Wells–Dawson-type K₆P₂W₁₈O₆₂ polyoxometalate was encapsulated into the magnetic Fe₃O₄/MIL-101 (Cr) metal–organic framework and applied as a new magnetically recoverable ternary adsorbent to remove organic dyes from aqueous solutions.

Necessity of calcination in the preparation of phosphotungstic acid@TiO2 composites. A case study on the facile sol–gel synthesis of nanospheres and their superior performance in catalytic oxi-desulfurization

Calcinated and un-calcinated PW₁₂@TiO₂ catalysts showed parallel performance in ECODS indicating the unnecessity of calcination in the preparation of PW₁₂@TiO₂.

Balula S, Cunha-Silva L. Improved catalytic performance of porous metal–organic frameworks for the ring opening of styrene oxide

An emerging strategy to improve the performance of porous metal–organic framework (MOF) materials as heterogeneous catalysts is reported.

Bi(iii) immobilization inside MIL-101: enhanced photocatalytic performance

Bi(iii) particles were immobilized into the cages of mesoporous chromium oxoterephthalate MIL-101. The material obtained possesses enhanced photocatalytic activity in comparison with bulk BiOCl synthesized under the same conditions.

A Mn(iii) polyoxotungstate in the oxidation of organosulfur compounds by H2O2 at room temperature: an environmentally safe catalytic approach

A manganese monosubstituted Keggin-type polyoxometalate was used as a catalyst in the oxidation of recalcitrant organosulfur compounds by hydrogen peroxide at room temperature.

An octamolybdate-metal organic framework hybrid for the efficient adsorption of histidine-rich proteins

Incorporation of octamolybdate (Mo₈O₂₆) into the metal–organic framework, MIL-101(Cr), produces a novel hybrid. The covalent interactions of the Mo₈O₂₆ moiety in the hybrid with the N-terminal site and the multi-metal binding site of proteins offer favorable adsorption performance towards histidine-rich proteins.