Host-Host Interactions Enhanced the Structural Rigidity in a 6-Fold Interpenetrated Diamondoid Metal-Organic Framework Exhibiting C2H2/C2H4 Separation

Multi-interpenetrated metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have exhibited excellent performance in selective adsorption due to the variable post-interspersed flexibility, but the design and control remain challenging. Herein, two anthracene-based ligands, 4,4'-(anthracene-9,10-diyl)dibenzoic acid (H2L1) and 9,10-di(pyridin-4-yl)anthracene (L2), are used to construct a new three-dimensional 6-fold interpenetrated MOF [Zn(L1)(L2)]n (NBU-X1), which exhibits multiple C-H···π interactions that enhance the structural rigidity, thereby entangling with a C2H2/C2H4 separation performance. In this material, the incorporation of abundant anthracene rings within the framework not only partitions and restricts the pore window size to a quasi-double pore but also stabilizes it through host-host interactions. The structural stability upon heating or guest displacement/removal has been investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and in situ variable-temperature powder X-ray diffraction, in contrast to the extreme flexibility of most multi-interpenetrated MOFs. The performance of purifying C2H4 from C2H2/C2H4 mixtures has been proved by dynamic breakthrough tests.

CFA-18: a homochiral metal-organic framework (MOF) constructed from rigid enantiopure bistriazolate linker molecules

In this work, we introduce the first enantiopure bistriazolate-based metal-organic framework, CFA-18 (Coordination Framework Augsburg-18), built from the R-enantiomer of 7,7,7',7'-tetramethyl-6,6',7,7'-tetrahydro-3H,3'H-5,5'-spirobi[indeno[5,6-d]-[1,2,3]triazole] (H2-spirta). The enantiopurity and absolute configuration of the new linker were confirmed by several chiroselective methods. Reacting H2-spirta in hot N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) with manganese(ii) chloride gave CFA-18 as colorless crystals. The crystal structure with the composition [Mn2Cl2(spirta)(DMF)2] was solved using synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction. CFA-18 shows a framework topology that is closely related to previously reported metal-azolate framework (MAF) structures in which the octahedrally coordinated manganese(ii) ions are triazolate moieties, and the chloride anions form crosslinked one-dimensional helical chains, giving rise to hexagonal channels. In contrast to MAFs crystallizing in the centrosymmetric space group R3[combining macron], the handedness of the helices found in CFA-18 is strictly uniform, leading to a homochiral framework that crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system within the chiral space group P3121 (no. 152).

Benign Integration of a Zn-Azolate Metal-Organic Framework onto Textile Fiber for Ammonia Capture

Ammonia (NH₃) exposure has a serious impact on human health because of its toxic and corrosive nature. Therefore, efficient personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks is necessary to eliminate and mitigate NH₃ exposure risks. Because economically and environmentally viable conditions are of interest for large-scale manufacture of PPE, we herein report a benign procedure to synthesize a Zn-azolate metal-organic framework (MOF), MFU-4, for NH₃ capture. The surface area and morphology of MFU-4 obtained in alcohol solvents at room temperature is consistent with that of traditionally synthesized MFU-4 in N,N-dimethylformamide at 140 °C. In addition to its large NH₃ uptake capacity at 1 bar (17.7 mmol/g), MFU-4 shows outstanding performance in capturing NH₃ at low concentration (10.8 mmol/g at 0.05 bar). Furthermore, the mild synthetic conditions implemented make it facile to immobilize MFU-4 onto cotton textile fiber. Enhanced NH₃ capture ability of the MFU-4/fiber composite was also attributed to the well-exposed MOF particles. The benign synthetic MFU-4 procedure, high NH₃ uptake, and easy integration onto fiber pave the way toward implementation of similar materials in PPE.

Organic-inorganic hybrids for CO2 sensing, separation and conversion

Motivated by the air pollution that skyrocketed in numerous regions around the world, great effort was placed on discovering new classes of materials that separate, sense or convert CO₂ in order to minimise impact on human health. However, separation, sensing and conversion are not only closely intertwined due to the ultimate goal of improving human well-being, but also because of similarities in material prerequisites -e.g. affinity to CO₂. Partly inspired by the unrivalled performance of complex natural materials, manifold inorganic-organic hybrids were developed. One of the most important characteristics of hybrids is their design flexibility, which results from the combination of individual constituents with specific functionality. In this review, we discuss commonly used organic, inorganic, and inherently hybrid building blocks for applications in separation, sensing and catalytic conversion and highlight benefits like durability, activity, low-cost and large scale fabrication. Moreover, we address obstacles and potential future developments of hybrid materials. This review should inspire young researchers in chemistry, physics and engineering to identify and overcome interdisciplinary research challenges by performing academic research but also - based on the ever-stricter emission regulations like carbon taxes - through exchanges between industry and science.

Long-term entrapment and temperature-controlled-release of SF6 gas in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)

In this work, a metal-organic framework (MOF), namely MFU-4, which is comprised of zinc cations and benzotriazolate ligands, was used to entrap SF₆ gas molecules inside its pores, and thus a new scheme for long-term leakproof storage of dangerous gasses is demonstrated. The SF₆ gas was introduced into the pores at an elevated gas pressure and temperature. Upon cooling down and release of the gas pressure, we discovered that the gas was well-trapped inside the pores and did not leak out - not even after two months of exposure to air at room temperature. The material was thoroughly analyzed before and after the loading as well as after given periods of time (1, 3, 7, 14 or 60 days) after the loading. The studies included powder X-ray diffraction measurements, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ¹⁹F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and computational simulations. In addition, the possibility to release the gas guest by applying elevated temperature, vacuum and acid-induced framework decomposition was also investigated. The controlled gas release using elevated temperature has the additional benefit that the host MOF can be reused for further gas capture cycles.

Fast Surface Acoustic Wave-Based Sensors to Investigate the Kinetics of Gas Uptake in Ultra-Microporous Frameworks

Observation of the kinetics and measurement of the activation energies for gas diffusion in porous materials requires very fast and sensitive sensors. In this work, thin films of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with different pore sizes are grown on a surface acoustic wave (SAW) substrate, resulting in very sensitive and specific sensor systems for the detection of various gases at very short time scales. Using specially designed SAW delay lines for the detection, up to 200-nm-wide cubic MOF crystals were grown directly from a solution on the sensitive sensor chip area. One example, MFU-4, exhibits a smallest pore aperture of 2.5 Å and shows a highly sensitive and specific response to CO₂, H₂, He, NH₃, and H₂O. It is shown that such a MOF@SAW sensor responds within milliseconds to gas loading and its sensitivity reaches levels as low as 1 ppmv, currently only limited by the gas mixing system. This unique combination of sensitivity and fast response characteristics allows even for real-time investigations of the sorption kinetics during gas uptake and release. As is typical for SAW sensors, the production of the chips is very straightforward and inexpensive and-combined with the unique properties of the MOFs with their tunable pore sizes and adjustable internal surface properties-holds promise for different sensor applications.

CO2 Capture and Separations Using MOFs: Computational and Experimental Studies

This Review focuses on research oriented toward elucidation of the various aspects that determine adsorption of CO₂ in metal-organic frameworks and its separation from gas mixtures found in industrial processes. It includes theoretical, experimental, and combined approaches able to characterize the materials, investigate the adsorption/desorption/reaction properties of the adsorbates inside such environments, screen and design new materials, and analyze additional factors such as material regenerability, stability, effects of impurities, and cost among several factors that influence the effectiveness of the separations. CO₂ adsorption, separations, and membranes are reviewed followed by an analysis of the effects of stability, impurities, and process operation conditions on practical applications.

Gas confinement in compartmentalized coordination polymers for highly selective sorption

Discrimination between different gases is an essential aspect for industrial and environmental applications involving sensing and separation. Several classes of porous materials have been used in this context, including zeolites and more recently MOFs. However, to reach high selectivities for the separation of gas mixtures is a challenging task that often requires the understanding of the specific interactions established between the porous framework and the gases. Here we propose an approach to obtain an enhanced selectivity based on the use of compartmentalized coordination polymers, named CCP-1 and CCP-2, which are crystalline materials comprising isolated discrete cavities. These compartmentalized materials are excellent candidates for the selective separation of CO₂ from methane and nitrogen. A complete understanding of the sorption process is accomplished with the use of complementary experimental techniques including X-ray diffraction, adsorption studies, inelastic- and quasi-elastic neutron scattering, magnetic measurements and molecular dynamics calculations.

CFA-7: an interpenetrated metal–organic framework of the MFU-4 family

Structural characterization of a novel interpenetrated bistriazolate-based MOF followed by postsynthetic replacement of Zn²⁺ by M²⁺ ions (M = Co, Ni, Cu) represents a versatile approach towards redox-active MOFs.