Zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks and their roles in electrocatalysis

Due to their exceptional chemical stability in water and high structural tunability, zirconium(IV)-based MOFs (Zr-MOFs) have been considered attractive materials in the broad fields of electrocatalysis. Numerous studies published since 2015 have attempted to utilise Zr-MOFs in electrocatalysis, with the porous framework serving as either the active electrocatalyst or the scaffold or surface coating to further enhance the performance of the actual electrocatalyst. Herein, the roles of Zr-MOFs in electrocatalytic processes are discussed, and some selected examples reporting the applications of Zr-MOFs in various electrocatalytic reactions, including several studies from our group, are overviewed. Challenges, limitations and opportunities in using Zr-MOFs in electrocatalysis in future studies are discussed.

Unveiling the Power of Cloaking Metal-Organic Framework Platforms via Supramolecular Antibody Conjugation

Targeted drug delivery systems based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have progressed tremendously since inception and are now widely applicable in diverse scientific fields. However, translating MOF agents directly to targeted drug delivery systems remains a challenge due to the biomolecular corona phenomenon. Here, we observed that supramolecular conjugation of antibodies to the surface of MOF particles (MOF-808) via electrostatic interactions and coordination bonding can reduce protein adhesion in biological environments and show stealth shields. Once antibodies are stably conjugated to particles, they were neither easily exchanged with nor covered by biomolecule proteins, which is indicative of the stealth effect. Moreover, upon conjugation of the MOF particle with specific targeted antibodies, namely, anti-CD44, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), the resulting hybrid exhibits an augmented targeting efficacy toward cancer cells overexpressing these receptors, such as HeLa, SK-BR-3, and 4T1, as evidenced by flow cytometry. The therapeutic effectiveness of the antibody-conjugated MOF (anti-M808) was further evaluated through in vivo imaging and the assessment of tumor inhibition effects using IR-780-loaded EGFR-M808 in a 4T1 tumor xenograft model employing nude mice. This study therefore provides insight into the use of supramolecular antibody conjugation as a promising method for developing MOF-based drug delivery systems.

Water-stable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs): rational construction and carbon dioxide capture

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered to be a promising porous material due to their excellent porosity and chemical tailorability. However, due to the relatively weak strength of coordination bonds, the stability (e.g., water stability) of MOFs is usually poor, which severely inhibits their practical applications. To prepare water-stable MOFs, several important strategies such as increasing the bonding strength of building units and introducing hydrophobic units have been proposed, and many MOFs with excellent water stability have been prepared. Carbon dioxide not only causes a range of climate and health problems but also is a by-product of some important chemicals (e.g., natural gas). Due to their excellent adsorption performances, MOFs are considered as a promising adsorbent that can capture carbon dioxide efficiently and energetically, and many water-stable MOFs have been used to capture carbon dioxide in various scenarios, including flue gas decarbonization, direct air capture, and purified crude natural gas. In this review, we first introduce the design and synthesis of water-stable MOFs and then describe their applications in carbon dioxide capture, and finally provide some personal comments on the challenges facing these areas.

Transmission Porosimetry Study on High-quality Zr-fum-MOF Thin Films

Crystalline Zr-fum-MOF (MOF-801) thin films of high quality are prepared on glass and silicon substrates by direct growth under solvothermal conditions. The synthesis is described in detail and the influence of different synthesis parameters such as temperature, precursor concentration, and the substrate type on the quality of the coatings is illustrated. Zr-fum-MOF thin films are characterized in terms of crystallinity, porosity, and homogeneity. Dense films of optical quality are obtained. The sorption behavior of the thin films is studied with various adsorptives. It can be easily monitored by measuring the transmission of the films in gas flows of different compositions. This simple transmission measurement at only one wavelength allows a very fast evaluation of the adsorption properties of thin films as compared to traditional sorption methods. The sorption behavior of the thin films is compared with the sorption properties of Zr-fum-MOF powder samples.

Cellulose-based adsorbents for solid phase extraction and recovery of pharmaceutical residues from water

Cellulose has attracted interest from researchers both in academic and industrial sectors due to its unique structural and physicochemical properties. The ease of surface modification of cellulose by the integration of nanomaterials, magnetic components, metal organic frameworks and polymers has made them a promising adsorbent for solid phase extraction of emerging contaminants, including pharmaceutical residues. This review summarizes, compares, and contrasts different types of cellulose-based adsorbents along with their applications in adsorption, extraction and pre-concentration of pharmaceutical residues in water for subsequent analysis. In addition, a comparison in efficiency of cellulose-based adsorbents and other types of adsorbents that have been used for the extraction of pharmaceuticals in water is presented. From our observation, cellulose-based materials have principally been investigated for the adsorption of pharmaceuticals in water. However, this review aims to shift the focus of researchers to the application of these adsorbents in the effective pre-concentration of pharmaceutical pollutants from water at trace concentrations, for quantification. At the end of the review, the challenges and future perspectives regarding cellulose-based adsorbents are discussed, thus providing an in-depth overview of the current state of the art in cellulose hybrid adsorbents for extraction of pharmaceuticals from water. This is expected to inspire the development of solid phase exraction materials that are efficient, relatively cheap, and prepared in a sustainable way.

Confining charge-transfer complex in a metal-organic framework for photocatalytic CO2 reduction in water

In the quest for renewable fuel production, the selective conversion of CO₂ to CH₄ under visible light in water is a leading-edge challenge considering the involvement of kinetically sluggish multiple elementary steps. Herein, 1-pyrenebutyric acid is post-synthetically grafted in a defect-engineered Zr-based metal organic framework by replacing exchangeable formate. Then, methyl viologen is incorporated in the confined space of post-modified MOF to achieve donor-acceptor complex, which acts as an antenna to harvest visible light, and regulates electron transfer to the catalytic center (Zr-oxo cluster) to enable visible-light-driven CO₂ reduction reaction. The proximal presence of the charge transfer complex enhances charge transfer kinetics as realized from transient absorption spectroscopy, and the facile electron transfer helps to produce CH₄ from CO₂. The reported material produces 7.3 mmol g^-1 of CH₄ under light irradiation in aqueous medium using sacrificial agents. Mechanistic information gleans from electron paramagnetic resonance, in situ diffuse reflectance FT-IR and density functional theory calculation.

Application of Ca-based adsorbents in fixed-bed dry flue gas desulfurization (FGD): a critical review

Sulfur dioxide, which comes from the flue gas emitted by the steel and coal power industries, is extremely harmful to humans and the natural environment. Due to its high efficiency and economy, dry fixed-bed desulfurization technology and Ca-based adsorbents have attracted wide attention. In this paper, a detailed outline of the process of the fixed-bed reactor, performance indexes, economic value, recent research, and industrial applications of the dry fixed-bed desulfurization process was summarized. The classification and properties, preparation method, desulfurization mechanism, and influencing factors of Ca-based adsorbents were discussed. This review indicated the challenges in the commercialization of dry Ca-based fixed-bed desulfurization and demonstrated the possible solutions. It is beneficial to promote industrial application by improving the utilization efficiency of Ca-based adsorbent, reducing the amount of adsorbent and operation cost, and developing ideal regeneration methods.

Inorganic nanoparticles as scaffolds for bioorthogonal catalysts

Bioorthogonal transition metal catalysts (TMCs) transform therapeutically inactive molecules (pro-drugs) into active drug compounds. Inorganic nanoscaffolds protect and solubilize catalysts while offering a flexible design space for decoration with targeting elements and stimuli-responsive activity. These "drug factories" can activate pro-drugs in situ, localizing treatment to the disease site and minimizing off-target effects. Inorganic nanoscaffolds provide structurally diverse scaffolds for encapsulating TMCs. This ability to define the catalyst environment can be employed to enhance the stability and selectivity of the TMC, providing access to enzyme-like bioorthogonal processes. The use of inorganic nanomaterials as scaffolds TMCs and the use of these bioorthogonal nanozymes in vitro and in vivo applications will be discussed in this review.

Citrate Functionalized Zirconium-Based Metal Organic Framework for the Fluorescent Detection of Ciprofloxacin in Aqueous Media

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a commonly used antibiotic for the treatment of infectious diseases in humans and as a prophylactic agent in the livestock industry, leading to the environmental discharge of significant amounts of CIP. CIP is stable in aquatic systems leading to its pseudo-persistence. Constant exposure to these antibiotics results in the generation of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and potential toxicity/hypersensitivity in humans. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a convenient, rapid, and cost-effective method for the monitoring of ciprofloxacin in environmental samples. Rhodamine-based fluorescent receptors have the limitation of aqueous solubility. Therefore, in order to overcome this drawback, we designed a novel fluorescent receptor based on a zirconium-based metal organic framework (MOF-808). The precursor, MOF-808, was synthesized and functionalized by using sodium citrate to obtain a receptor called C-MOF-808. The C-MOF-808 was structurally characterized by XRD and spectroscopic analyses. Thus, this synthesized receptor can be used for the fluorescent detection of CIP in aqueous media with a detection limit of 9.4 µM. The detection phenomena of the receptor were studied by absorption as well as fluorescent spectra. The binding behavior of CIP with the receptor was studied by FT-IR and ¹H-NMR analyses, and a binding mechanism is proposed.

Glycopolymer-Functionalized MOF-808 Nanoparticles as a Cancer-Targeted Dual Drug Delivery System for Carboplatin and Floxuridine

Codelivery of chemotherapeutics via nanomaterials has attracted much attention over the last decades due to improved drug delivery to tumor tissues, decreased systemic effects, and increased therapeutic efficacies. High porosities, large pore volumes and surface areas, and tunable structures have positioned metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as promising drug delivery systems (DDSs). In particular, nanoscale Zr-linked MOFs such as MOF-808 offer notable advantages for biomedical applications such as high porosity, good stability, and biocompatibility. In this study, we report efficient dual drug delivery of floxuridine (FUDR) and carboplatin (CARB) loaded in MOF-808 nanoparticles to cancer cells. The nanoparticles were further functionalized by a poly(acrylic acid-mannose acrylamide) (PAAMAM) glycopolymer coating to obtain a highly selective DDS in cancer cells and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy. While MOF-808 was found to enhance the individual therapeutic effects of FUDR and CARB toward cancerous cells, combining FUDR and CARB was seen to cause a synergistic effect, further enhancing the cytotoxicity of the free drugs. Enhancement of CARB loading and therefore cytotoxicity of the CARB-loaded MOFs could be induced through a modified activation protocol, while coating of MOF-808 with the PAAMAM glycopolymer increased the uptake of the nanoparticles in cancer cells used in the study and offered a particularly significant selective drug delivery with high cytotoxicity in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. These results show how the enhancement of cytotoxicity is possible through both nanovector delivery and synergistic treatment, and that MOF-808 is a viable candidate for future drug delivery studies.

Synthesis, characterization and application of a zirconium-based MOF-808 functionalized with isonicotinic acid for fast and efficient solid phase extraction of uranium(VI) from wastewater prior to its spectrophotometric determination

Background

A zirconium-based metal-organic framework (Zr-MOF), named MOF-808, was synthesized and fully characterized by solvo-thermal method and functionalized by isonicotinic acid and employed as an efficient adsorbent for selective extraction and preconcentration of uranyl ions from water and waste water samples in a batch solid phase extraction.

Results

Parameters affecting extraction such as volume and pH of the sample solution, the amount of sorbent, type and volume of eluting solvent, and adsorption and desorption times were investigated and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, high extraction efficiency was observed with a limit of detection of 0.9 µg L^− 1 for uranyl ions and relative standard deviations were found to be better than 2.1% in the range of 0.07–1000 µg L^− 1.

Conclusions

These results indicated that the above procedure is fast, inexpensive, effective, reliable, applicable and organic solvent-free and showed the highly performance and stability of the Zr-MOF in SPE based analytical techniques.

[Determination of three diphenyl ether herbicides in rice by magnetic solid phase extraction using Fe3O4@MOF-808 coupled with high performance liquid chromatography]

利用溶剂热法构筑了Fe₃O₄@MOF-808吸附剂,将其用于大米中除草醚(NIT)、乙氧氟草醚(OXY)和甲羧除草醚(BIF)3种二苯醚类除草剂的富集,结合高效液相色谱法,建立了大米中该类除草剂的分析方法。研究通过傅里叶变换红外光谱、X射线衍射仪、扫描电子显微镜以及振动样品磁强计对构筑的磁性吸附剂的结构、表面形貌及磁强度进行表征。表征结果显示,球形的Fe₃O₄纳米颗粒与八面体形貌的MOF-808成功复合,Fe₃O₄@MOF-808饱和磁化强度可达40.35 emu/g,可以满足磁性固相萃取的需求;对吸附剂用于大米中3种二苯醚类除草剂富集的磁性固相萃取条件(吸附剂用量、吸附时间、洗脱溶剂种类以及洗脱体积)进行了优化。优化结果显示,25 mg吸附剂在6 min内即可达到对目标物的完全吸附,洗脱溶剂采用0.5 mL×2的甲醇。在最优的磁性固相萃取条件下,结合高效液相色谱-紫外检测法,建立了大米中3种二苯醚类除草剂的分析方法。方法在2~300 μg/L范围内线性关系良好(r > 0.998), NIT、OXY、BIF的检出限和定量限依次为0.6、0.6、0.4 μg/kg和2.0、2.0、1.5 μg/kg,在5、10和20 μg/kg 3个加标水平下的回收率为87.3%~96.7%,相对标准偏差不超过10.8%,且富集因子在25~29之间。将所建方法用于大米中NIT、OXY、BIF的分析,各样品均未检出这3种二苯醚类除草剂。该方法具有操作简单、快速、准确的特点,适用于大米样品中除草剂的残留分析。

Efficient Conversion of Biomass-Derived Levulinic Acid to γ-Valerolactone over Polyoxometalate@Zr-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks: The Synergistic Effect of Bro̷nsted and Lewis Acidic Sites

Catalytic transformation of levulinic acid (LA) to γ-valerolactone (γ-GVL) is an important route for biomass upgradation. Because both Bro̷nsted and Lewis acidic sites are required in the cascade reaction, herein we fabricate a series of H₃PW₁₂O₄₀@Zr-based metal-organic framework (HPW@MOF-808) by a facile impregnation method. The synthesized HPW@MOF-808 is active for the conversion of LA to γ-GVL using isopropanol as a hydrogen donor. Interestingly, with the increase in the HPW loading amount, the yield of γ-GVL increases first and then decreases, and 14%-HPW@MOF-808 gave the highest γ-GVL yield (86%). The excellent catalytic performance was ascribed to the synergistic effect between the accessible Lewis acidic Zr⁴⁺ sites in MOF-808 and Bro̷nsted acidic HPW sites. Based on the experimental results, a plausible reaction mechanism was proposed: the Zr⁴⁺ sites catalyze the transfer hydrogenation of carbonyl groups and the HPW clusters promote the esterification of LA with isopropanol and lactonization to afford γ-GVL. Moreover, HPW@MOF-808 is resistant to leaching and can be reused for five cycles without significant loss of its catalytic activity.

Evaluating the Robustness of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Synthetic Chemistry

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are emerging as sustainable reagents and catalysts with promising applications in synthetic chemistry. Although the hydrothermal stabilities of MOFs have been well studied, their robustness toward various reagents, including acids, bases, nucleophiles, electrophiles, oxidants, and reductants, remains poorly characterized. As such, heterogeneous platforms for promising catalysts are generally identified on an ad hoc basis and have largely been limited to carboxylate frameworks to date. To address these limitations, here we systematically characterize the robustness of 17 representative carboxylate, salicylate, and azolate MOFs toward 30 conditions representing the scope of synthetic organic chemistry. Specifically, analysis of the full width at half-maximum of powder X-ray diffraction patterns, as well as infrared spectroscopy, 77 K N2 adsorption measurements, and scanning electron microscopy in select cases are employed to appraise framework degradation and dissolution under a range of representative conditions. Our studies demonstrate that azolate MOFs, such as Fe2(bdp)3 (bdp2- = 4,4'-(1,4-phenylene)bis(pyrazolate)), generally possess excellent chemical stabilities under myriad conditions. In addition, we find that carboxylate and salicylate frameworks possess complementary stabilities, with carboxylate MOFs possessing superior robustness toward acids, electrophiles, and oxidants, and salicylate MOFs demonstrating improved robustness toward bases, nucleophiles, and reductants. The guidelines provided herein should facilitate the rational design of robust frameworks for applications in synthetic chemistry and guide the development of new strategies for the postsynthetic modification of MOFs as well.

Facile and rapid synthesis of functionalized Zr-BTC for the optical detection of the blistering agent simulant 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES)

2-Chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) is a simulant for the chemical warfare agent, bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide, also known as mustard gas. Here, we demonstrate a facile and rapid method to synthesize a functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF) material for the detection of CEES at trace level. During the synthesis of Zr-BTC, the in situ encapsulation of a fluorescent material (fluorescein) into Zr-BTC voids is performed by a simple solvothermal reaction. The produced F@Zr-BTC is used as a fluorescent probe for CEES detection. The synthesized material shows fluorescence quenching under illumination at an excitation wavelength of 470 nm when F@Zr-BTC is exposed to CEES. This sensing material shows the highest fluorescence quenching at an emission wavelength of 534 nm with a CEES concentration as low as 50 ppb. Therefore, the demonstrated sensing method with F@Zr-BTC is a fast and convenient protocol for the selective and sensitive detection of CEES in practical applications.

Immobilising giant unilamellar vesicles with zirconium metal-organic framework anchors

Lipid bilayer vesicles have provided a window into the function and fundamental properties of cells. However, as is the case for most living and soft matter, vesicles do not remain still. This necessitates some microscopy experiments to include a preparatory immobilisation step. Here, we describe a straightforward method to immobilise giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) using zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and demonstrate that GUVs bound in this way will stay in position on a timescale of minutes to hours.

Metal-Organic Frameworks for Drug Delivery: A Design Perspective

The use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in biomedical applications has greatly expanded over the past decade due to the precision tunability, high surface areas, and high loading capacities of MOFs. Specifically, MOFs are being explored for a wide variety of drug delivery applications. Initially, MOFs were used for delivery of small-molecule pharmaceuticals; however, more recent work has focused on macromolecular cargos, such as proteins and nucleic acids. Here, we review the historical application of MOFs for drug delivery, with a specific focus on the available options for designing MOFs for specific drug delivery applications. These options include choices of MOF structure, synthetic method, and drug loading. Further considerations include tuning, modifications, biocompatibility, cellular targeting, and uptake. Altogether, this Review aims to guide MOF design for novel biomedical applications.

Magnetic Fe3O4-encapsulated VAN@MIL-101(Fe) with mixed-valence sites and mesoporous structures as efficient bifunctional water splitting photocatalysts

Fe3O4/VAN@MIL-101(Fe) with both mesoporous and mixed-valence Fe3+/Fe2+ structures was controllably synthesized in the synthesis of MIL-101(Fe), and it was used as a bifunctional photocatalyst in both oxygen evolution reactions (OERs) and hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) of photocatalytic water splitting. By the reduction of auxiliary ligand vanillin (VAN) and the introduction of Fe3O4, the mixed-valence Fe3+/Fe2+ structure in Fe3O4/VAN@MIL-101(Fe) was obtained, which improves the band gap of the Fe3+ reactive active center and increases the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. Owing to the partial difference in the structure between VAN and ligand terephthalic acid (H2BDC), hierarchical porous and vacant structures were effectively improved in Fe3O4/VAN@MIL-101(Fe), which can induce more active sites to adsorb more water molecules and shorten the electron-hole migration distance to improve the transfer efficiency of photogenerated carriers. Therefore, Fe3O4/VAN@MIL-101(Fe) presents excellent photocatalytic activities for improving the O2 and H2 production rate up to 360 000 μmol g-1 h-1 and 584 μmol g-1 h-1, respectively. Meanwhile, Fe3O4/VAN@MIL-101(Fe) maintains the excellent catalytic activity in OERs and HERs after recycling for 5 times. Moreover, the introduction of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoplates into Fe3O4/VAN@MIL-101(Fe) can make it easily recyclable by magnetic separation, which can maximize its performance.

Synthesis of ordered microporous/macroporous MOF-808 through modulator-induced defect-formation, and surfactant self-assembly strategies

Ordered materials with interconnected porosity allow the diffusion of molecules within their inner porous structure to access the active sites located in the microporous core. As a follow-up of our work on engineering of MOF-808, in this contribution, we study the synthesis of defective MOF-808 using two different strategies: the use of modulators and the surfactant-assisted synthesis to obtain materials with ordered and interconnected pores. The results of the study indicated that (i) the use of modulators of different chain length led to the formation of microporous/mesoporous MOFs through the formation of missing linker defects. However, the use of the acetic acid contributes to the formation of MOFs with larger mesoporous size distributions compared to materials synthesized with formic and propionic acids as modulators, and (ii) the self-assembly of CTAB surfactant produced an ordered microporous/macroporous network which enhanced crystallinity. However, the surface properties of the materials seem to be unaffected by the use of surfactants during synthesis. These results contribute to the development of ordered materials with a broad range of pore size distributions and give rise to new opportunities to extend the applications of MOF-808.

Exploring the Parameter Space of p-Cresyl Sulfate Adsorption in Metal-Organic Frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have high porosity and surface area, making them ideal candidates for adsorption-mediated applications. One high-value application is the removal of uremic toxins from solution for dialysis. Previous studies have reported adsorptive removal of the uremic toxin p-cresyl sulfate from solution via zirconium-based MOFs, but a specific analysis of parameters contributing to adsorptive uptake is needed to clarify differences in uptake performance between MOFs. We synthesized zirconium 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate (MOF-808) and an iron-based analog, MIL-100(Fe), and compared their adsorptive uptake with previously reported values of other zirconium-based MOFs. MIL-100(Fe) adsorbed three times more p-cresyl sulfate from solution on a per mass basis than MOF-808 and had a greater adsorption efficiency than 75% of previously reported Zr-based MOFs. We compared p-cresyl sulfate uptake by MOFs as a function of BET surface area, number of aromatic carbons in the organic linker, internal cage diameter, and pore window diameter. There is poor correlation between p-cresyl sulfate uptake and each of the variables considered, but the number of aromatic carbons of the MOF linker was a better predictor of uptake than BET surface area (R² = 0.7034 and 0.1430, respectively), and pore window aperture was a better predictor of uptake than the pore cage diameter (R² = 0.4780 and 0.0383, respectively). We hypothesize that the greater adsorptive capacity of MIL-100(Fe) compared to MOF-808 results from direct coordination of p-cresyl sulfate to vacant metal sites in the MOF, and the total adsorption may be accounted for by some combination of adsorptive interactions occurring at both metal and organic linker sites near to the exterior particle surface. The adsorptive uptake of p-cresyl sulfate by MIL-100(Fe) was observed to increase with p-cresyl sulfate content, mass of MIL-100(Fe), and volume of p-cresyl sulfate solution; the mass of MIL-100(Fe) had the greatest effect on total adsorption.

Swell and Destroy: A Metal-Organic Framework-Containing Polymer Sponge That Immobilizes and Catalytically Degrades Nerve Agents

Organophosphorus chemical warfare agents function as potent neurotoxins. Whilst the destruction of nerve agents is most readily achieved by hydrolysis, their storage and transport are hazardous and lethal in milligram doses, with any spillage resulting in fatalities. Furthermore, current decontamination and remediation measures are limited by a need for stoichiometric reagents, solvents, and buffered solutions, complicating the process for the treatment of bulk contaminants. Herein, we report a composite polymer material capable of rendering bulk VX unusable by immobilization within a porous polymer until a metal-organic framework (MOF) catalyst fully hydrolyzes the neurotoxin. This is an all-in-one capability that minimizes the use of multiple reagents, facilitated by a porous high internal phase emulsion-based polystyrene monolith housing an active zirconia MOF catalyst (MOF-808); the porous polymer absorbs and immobilizes the liquid agents, while the MOF enables hydrolysis. The dichotomous hierarchy of porous materials facilitates the containment and rapid hydrolysis of VX (>80% degradation in 8 h) in the presence of excess H₂O. This composite can further enable the hydrolysis of neat VX with reliance on ambient humidity (>95% in 11 days). Potentially, 4.5 kg of the composite can absorb, immobilize, and degrade the contents of a standard chemical drum/barrel (208 L, 55 gal) of the chemical warfare agent (CWA). We believe that this composite is the first example of what will be the go-to approach for CWA immobilization and degradation in the future. Furthermore, we believe that this demonstration of a catalytically reusable absorbent sponge provides a signpost for the development of similar materials where immobilization of a substrate in a catalytically active environment is desirable.

Sustainable synthesis of modulated Fe-MOFs with enhanced catalyst performance for persulfate to degrade organic pollutants

In this study, four typical modulators (NH₄OH(A), CH₃COOH(B), CH₃COONa(C) and CH₃COONH₄(D)) were applied to modulate the microwave-assisted synthesis of Fe-MOFs. The effects of various modulators on the yield, electrochemistry activity and PS activation capacity of prepared catalysts were systematically investigated. The ideal modulator was revealed as the 7.5 mM CH₃COONH₄. Contributed by the defects caused by the dual effects of CH₃COONH₄, Fe-MOFs-D-7.5/PS system showed excellent orange G (OG) degradation with high reaction stoichiometric efficiency (RSE) and desirable recycling performance. The main radicals should be SO₄^·- and O₂^·- which were confirmed by EPR and chemical quenchers. Furthermore, the frontier molecular orbital (FMO) theory and dual descriptor (DD) method were employed in predicting radical attacking sites of OG. According to the results of theoretical computations and experimental detection, degradation pathways of OG in Fe-MOFs-D-7.5/PS system were proposed. Similar to the function of the battery, this study gives new insight into the possible mediatory roles of Fe-MOFs-D-7.5 in PS activation by transferring the electrons between PS and the unsaturated metal sites (CUS). The Fe-MOFs-D-7.5/PS system is a promising process for environmental remediation.

Single crystal structure and photocatalytic behavior of grafted uranyl on the Zr-node of a pyrene-based metal–organic framework

The zirconium MOF NU-1000 was post-synthetically modified through solvothermal deposition to include the uranyl ion and characterized via single-crystal X-ray diffraction; photo-oxidation was also performed.

Improving MOF stability: approaches and applications

This review summarizes recent advances in the design and synthesis of stable MOFs and highlights the relationships between the stability and functional applications.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been recognized as one of the most important classes of porous materials due to their unique attributes and chemical versatility. Unfortunately, some MOFs suffer from the drawback of relatively poor stability, which would limit their practical applications. In the recent past, great efforts have been invested in developing strategies to improve the stability of MOFs. In general, stable MOFs possess potential toward a broader range of applications. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the design and synthesis of stable MOFs and MOF-based materials via de novo synthesis and/or post-synthetic structural processing. Also, the relationships between the stability and functional applications of MOFs are highlighted, and finally, the subsisting challenges and the directions that future research in this field may take have been indicated.

Single-site metal-organic framework catalysts for the oxidative coupling of arenes via C-H/C-H activation

C-H activation reactions are generally associated with relatively low turnover numbers (TONs) and high catalyst concentrations due to a combination of low catalyst stability and activity, highlighting the need for recyclable heterogeneous catalysts with stable single-atom active sites. In this work, several palladium loaded metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were tested as single-site catalysts for the oxidative coupling of arenes (e.g. o-xylene) via C-H/C-H activation. Isolation of the palladium active sites on the MOF supports reduced Pd(0) aggregate formation and thus catalyst deactivation, resulting in higher turnover numbers (TONs) compared to the homogeneous benchmark reaction. Notably, a threefold higher TON could be achieved for palladium loaded MOF-808 due to increased catalyst stability and the heterogeneous catalyst could efficiently be reused, resulting in a cumulative TON of 1218 after three runs. Additionally, the palladium single-atom active sites on MOF-808 were successfully identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy.

Synthesis, characterization, and post-synthetic modification of a micro/mesoporous zirconium–tricarboxylate metal–organic framework: towards the addition of acid active sites

Synthesis of defective microporous/mesoporous MOF-808.

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.

Microwave-assisted activation and modulator removal in zirconium MOFs for buffer-free CWA hydrolysis

A novel, facile and efficient method was developed for the activation of acetic acid modulated zirconium MOFs. The protocol involves briefly heating the material in water using microwave irradiation. MOF-808, DUT-84 and UiO-66 were all activated in this manner to remove the modulator and organic solvent from the framework post synthesis, with retention of MOF integrity post activation. The degree of activation was characterised by the use of TGA and NMR. The catalytic activity of the activated MOFs and their non-activated counterparts was investigated for chemical warfare agent (CWA) hydrolysis. Upon activation, an increase in the rate of hydrolysis was observed in the degradation of CWA simulant dimethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate (DMNP). MOF-808 and DUT-84 were also screened as catalysts for the hydrolysis of the V-series agent VM, with remarkable half-lives obtained for MOF-808 in the absence of any buffers. Currently employed MOF activation procedures involve the use of additional organic solvents post synthesis; we believe this method to be ideally efficacious for the organic desolvation of zirconium MOFs and removing modulator additives.

Enhanced acidity of defective MOF-808: effects of the activation process and missing linker defects

Thermal activation processes modify the structure and acidity of Zr-based MOFs.

Facile synthesis of an ultra-stable metal–organic framework with excellent acid and base resistance

A novel ultra-stable metal–organic framework, MCIF-1, [Cu₂(DCI)₂](MeCN), based on dicyanoimidazole and Cu(i), has been synthesized at room temperature successfully. MCIF-1 shows excellent water stability and can retain crystallinity after soaking in water for about one week. In addition, MCIF-1 also shows exceptional resistance under both acidic and basic conditions within a large pH range from 0 to 13.5. What is more, after modifying the synthesis procedure slightly, we can produce this material in a large scale during a very short time. Mild synthesis conditions, excellent stability and ease of large scale production give MCIF-1 great potential for practical use.

Active site engineering in UiO-66 type metal–organic frameworks by intentional creation of defects: a theoretical rationalization

The catalytic activity of the Zr-benzenedicarboxylate (Zr-BDC) UiO-66 increases by using synthesis modulators as trifluoroacetate (TFA) or hydrochloric acid (HCl), which can be removed post-synthetically.

A Zr metal–organic framework based on tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl) silane and factors affecting the hydrothermal stability of Zr-MOFs

A new Zr-MOF based on tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl) silane was synthesized, and factors affecting the hydrothermal stabilities of Zr-MOFs are discussed.