Cd-Based metal-organic frameworks from solvothermal reactions involving in situ aldimine condensation and the highly sensitive detection of Fe3+ ions

In Situ Synthesis of Copper-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks with Ligand Defects for Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 into C2 Products

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 into high-value-added products is a potential approach to solving environmental problems but is limited by poor product selectivity and low efficiency. Metal-organic framework (MOF) materials have been considered one of the most promising catalysts, but their application is limited by complicated preparation processes, especially during the synthesis of organic ligands. In this work, a new three-dimensional Cu-MOF (JXUST-301) with high porosity was constructed based on the naphthalene diimide (NDI) ligand. Furthermore, JXUST-301 with ligand defects (JXUST-301D) originating from the missing NDI unit was synthesized via an in situ reaction. The presence of ligand defects endows JXUST-301D with a better CO2RR performance with a FEC2 of 56.7% and a jC2 of -162.4 mA cm-2. Mechanistic studies revealed that the hierarchical pore structure and amino sites are created from the absence of the NDI unit, which promotes the exposure of catalytically active sites and CO2 enrichment. Furthermore, the electronic structure of the Cu sites is modulated to upshift the d-band center, facilitating chemical adsorption and activation of key reaction intermediates. This work provides new insight into the in situ preparation of efficient Cu-MOF catalysts by introducing defects for the CO2RR.

Reticular Chemistry Directed "One-Pot" Strategy to in situ Construct Organic Linkers and Zirconium-Organic Frameworks

Zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) have emerged as one of the most studied MOFs due to the unlimited numbers of organic linkers and the varying Zr-oxo clusters. However, the synthesis of carboxylic acids, especially multitopic carboxylic acids, is always a great challenge for the discovery of new Zr-MOFs. As an alternative approach, the in situ "one-pot" strategy can address this limitation, where the generation of organic linkers from the corresponding precursors and the sequential construction of MOFs are integrated into one solvothermal condition. Herein, inspired by benzimidazole-contained compounds synthesized via reaction of aldehyde and o-phenylenediamine, tri-, tetra-, penta- and hexa-topic carboxylic acids and a series of corresponding Zr-MOFs can be prepared via the in situ "one-pot" method under the same solvothermal conditions. This strategy can be utilized not only to prepare reported Zr-MOFs constructed using benzimidazole-contained linkers, but also to rationally design, construct and realize functionalities of zirconium-pentacarboxylate frameworks guided by reticular chemistry. More importantly, in situ "one-pot" method can facilitate the discovery of new Zr-MOFs, such as zirconium-hexacarboxylate frameworks. The present study demonstrates the promising potential of benzimidazole-inspired in situ "one-pot" approach in the crystal engineering of structure- and property-specific Zr-MOFs, especially with the guidance of reticular chemistry.

Efficient luminescence sensing in two lanthanide metal–organic frameworks with rich uncoordinated Lewis basic sites

Two novel Ln-MOFs containing uncoordinated Lewis basic sites for sensitive detection of Fe3+ ions and nitrobenzene through fluorescence quenching.

Modulating the regioselectivity of solid-state photodimerization in coordination polymer crystals

Coordination polymers [Cd(1,4-bpeb)(L1)] (1), [Zn2(1,4-bpeb)2(L2)2(SO42-)2] (2) and [Cd(1,4-bpeb)(L3)] (H2O) (3) (H2L1, 3-[2-(3-hydroxy-phenoxymethyl)-benzyloxy]-benzoic acid; HL2, 1H-Indazole-3-carboxylic acid; H3L3, benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid; 1,4-bpeb, 1,4-bis[2-(4-pyridyl)vinyl]benzene have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Complexes 1-3 underwent photodimerization in the solid-state to give quantitative yields of single isomeric products. The choice of carboxyl ligands L and metal center determined the arrangement of 1,4-bpeb ligands, which in turn directed the regiochemistry of the final photoproducts. The solid-state network structures of cadmium based 1 and 3 had 1,4-bpeb pairs aligned face-to-face with both C[double bond, length as m-dash]C centres in each ligand at an appropriate distance and alignment for photodimerization to give the corresponding para-[2.2]cyclophane (pCP) exclusively. By contrast, compound 2 possessed dinuclear (ZnSO4)2 metallocycles that positioned the 1,4-bpeb "arms" face-to-face, but with C[double bond, length as m-dash]C centres offset at an appropriate distance for only one pair to undergo [2 + 2] cycloaddition to yield a single stereoisomer of the monocyclobutane photo-product bpbpvpcb. This work highlights crystal engineering design principles that can be used to facilitate regio- and stereospecificity in solid-state transformations.

Pore-Functionalized and Hydrolytically Robust Cd(II)-Metal-Organic Framework for Highly Selective, Multicyclic CO2 Adsorption and Fast-Responsive Luminescent Monitoring of Fe(III) and Cr(VI) Ions with Notable Sensitivity and Reusability

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) show a distinctive pre-eminence over other heterogeneous systems for adsorption of carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas and fluorescence detection of water contaminating ions, where integration of both these attributes along with enhancement of pore functionality and water stability is crucial for potential applications related to environmental remediation. Pore functionalization has been achieved in a 2-fold interpenetrated, mixed-ligand Cd(II)-framework [Cd_1.5(L)₂(bpy)(NO₃)]·2DMF·2H₂O (CSMCRI-5) (HL = 4-(4-carboxyphenyl)-1,2,4-triazole, bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine, DMF = dimethylformamide, CSMCRI = Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute) by utilizing a bifunctional ligand HL. The bpy-pillared framework, containing diverse Cd(II) nodes, optimum sized voids, and free N-atom affixed one-dimensional porous channels, shows notable structural robustness in diverse organic solvents and water. In spite of a negligible surface area, the activated MOF (5a) exhibits good CO₂ uptake and highly selective CO₂ adsorption over N₂ (259.94) and CH₄ (14.34) alongside minor loss during multiple CO₂ adsorption-desorption cycles. Luminescence studies demonstrate extremely selective and ultrafast sensing of Fe³⁺ ions in the aqueous phase with notable quenching (1.13 × 10⁴ M^-1) as well as an impressive 98 ppb limit of detection (LOD). Importantly, Fe³⁺ detection is exclusively retained under simulated physiological conditions. The framework further serves as a quick-responsive scaffold for toxic CrO₄^2- and Cr₂O₇^2- anions, where individual quenching constants (CrO₄^2-: 1.73 × 10⁴ M^-1; Cr₂O₇^2-: 5.42 × 10⁴ M^-1) and LOD values (CrO₄^2-: 280 ppb; Cr₂O₇^2-: 320 ppb) rank among the best sensory MOFs for aqueous phase detection of Cr(VI) species. It is imperative to stress vivid monitoring of all these aqueous pollutants by a handy paper-strip method, besides outstanding applicability of 5a toward their recyclable detection. Mechanism of selective quenching is comprehensively investigated in light of the absorption of the excitation/emission energy of the host framework by an individual studied analyte.

Two-dimensional layered lanthanide diphosphonates: synthesis, structures and sensing properties toward Fe3+ and Cr2O72−

Four new lanthanide phosphonates with two-dimensional layered crystal structures have been synthesized and investigated for the optical sensing of Fe³⁺ and Cr₂O₇²⁻ ions.

From lamellar net to bilayered-lamella and to porous pillared-bilayer: reversible crystal-to-crystal transformation, CO2 adsorption, and fluorescence detection of Fe3+, Al3+, Cr3+, MnO4−, and Cr2O72− in water

Layered coordination polymers of different network topologies have showed reversible structural transformations and fluorescence detection toward Fe³⁺, Al³⁺, Cr³⁺, MnO₄^–, and Cr₂O₇^2– in water.

Modular Synthesis of Highly Porous Zr-MOFs Assembled from Simple Building Blocks for Oxygen Storage

The last decade has witnessed significant advances in the scale-up synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) using commercially available and affordable organic linkers. However, the synthesis of MOFs using elongated and/or multitopic linkers to access MOFs with large pore volume and/or various topologies can often be challenging due to multistep organic syntheses involved for linker preparation. In this report, a modular MOF synthesis strategy is developed by utilizing the coordination and covalent bonds formation in one-pot strategy where monoacid-based ligands reacted to form ditopic ligands, which then assembled into a three-dimensional MOF with Zr₆ clusters. Chemical stability of the resulting materials was significantly enhanced through converting the imine bond into robust linkage via cycloaddition with phenylacetylene. Oxygen storage capacities of the MOFs were measured, and enhanced volumetric O₂ uptake was observed for the stabilized MOF, NU-401-Q.

A Bifunctional Luminescent Metal-Organic Framework for the Sensing of Paraquat and Fe3+ Ions in Water

The hydrothermal reaction of Zn²⁺ ions with a mixture of two ligands, Hcptpy and H₃ btc (Hcptpy=4-(4-carboxyphenyl)-2,2':4',4''-terpyridine; H₃ btc=1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid), led to the formation of a 3D metal-organic framework (MOF) with 1D channels, [Zn₂ (cptpy)(btc)(H₂ O)]_n (1), which was structurally characterized by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SXRD). In MOF 1, two independent Zn²⁺ ions were interconnected by btc^3- ligands to form a 1D chain, whilst adjacent Zn²⁺ ions were alternately bridged by cptpy^- ligands to generate a 2D sheet, which was further linked by 1D chains to form a 3D framework with a new (3,3,4,4)-connected topology. Furthermore, compound 1 also exhibited excellent stability towards air and water and, more importantly, luminescence experiments indicated that it could serve as a probe for the sensitive detection of paraquat (PAQ) and Fe³⁺ ions in aqueous solution.

Series of Cadmium(II) Coordination Polymers Based on a Versatile Multi-N-Donor Tecton or Mixed Carboxylate Ligands: Synthesis, Structure, and Selectively Sensing Property

Five Cd(II) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), [Cd(HL)₂] (1), [Cd(HL)₂(H₂O)₂] (2), [Cd₃(HL)₂(obda)₂] (3), [Cd₂(HL)₂(ohmbda)(DMA)(H₂O)] (4), and [Cd₂(HL)(btc)(H₂O)₂]·3H₂O (5), were prepared by reactions of Cd(NO₃)₂·4H₂O with 1-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)-4-(4H-tetrazol-5-yl)benzene (H₂L) or mixed carboxylate ancillary ligands of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (H₂obda), 5-hydroxy-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid (H₂ohmbda), and 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (H₃btc), respectively. Their structures have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 are supramolecular isomeric frameworks without consideration of the solvent molecules. Complex 1 exhibits a binodal (3, 5)-connected two-dimensional (2D) layer structure with the point (Schläfli) symbol of (5²·6)(5⁵·6⁴·7), while complex 2 shows a 2D + 2D → 3D (three-dimensional) framework. Complex 3 is a (3, 5, 6)-connected tetranodal 3D net with the point (Schläfli) symbol of (4·8²)₂(4⁵·6·8⁴)₂(4⁵·6⁵)₂(4⁸·6⁶·8). Compound 4 is a (3, 3, 8)-connected trinodal 3D net with the point (Schläfli) symbol based on a binuclear [Cd₂N₂O] subunit, while 5 is a 2-nodal (3, 4)-connected 2D V₂O₅-type network based on [Cd₂N₂(COO)₂] SBU. The studies of molecular sensing properties show that the luminescent MOFs can be employed as fluorescent sensors for the detection of Fe³⁺ and nitro compounds. Compound 1 and 3 exhibit quenching responses for Fe³⁺ in dimethylformamide solution with detection limits of 2.3 × 10^-6 and 8.6 × 10^-7 M, respectively. Meanwhile, compound 5 can sense 4-nitrophenol with a detection limit as low as 5.75 × 10^-7 M.

Constructing new metal-organic frameworks with complicated ligands from "One-Pot" in situ reactions

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as one of the most fascinating libraries of porous materials. In spite of their myriad merits, practical application of most MOFs is restricted due to their high preparation cost because of the complicated organic ligands involved. To address this limitation, we propose to use simple and cheap organic precursors to synthesize MOFs with complicated ligands via "one-pot" in situ reactions of these precursors along with the formation of new MOFs. In this work, we have carefully screened several organic reactions, through which target ligands were generated in situ from easily available reactants during the MOF construction. With this "one-pot" approach, the fabrication of a series of novel MOFs by integrating the organic covalent bond and the coordinate bond has thus been realized through the judicious selection of organic reactions, which effectively simplifies the MOF synthesis process and thus reduces the cost.

Two exceptionally stable luminescent MOFs for the selective and sensitive detection of Fe3+ ions in aqueous solution

Two exceptionally stable MOFs were selected as highly efficient sensors for the rapid, sensitive and selective detection of Fe³⁺ in aqueous solution.

Rational synthesis, crystal structure, and sensing and adsorption properties of luminescent metal–organic frameworks

Five novel Cd(ii) metal–organic frameworks (Cd-MOFs) were synthesized employing a rational design approach under solvothermal conditions. The luminescence sensing and the targeted dye adsorption properties of the MOFs 1–5 are investigated.

Mechanistic investigation of photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes by a novel zinc coordination polymer

Mechanistic presentation of the photocatalytic degradation of organic dye molecules by absorbing UV-vis light energy that spans the florescent compound TIPA's HOMO to LUMO band gap.

A quantitative transmetalation with a metal organic framework compound in a solid–liquid interface reaction: synthesis, structure, kinetics, spectroscopy and electrochemistry

A Zn(ii)-MOF (1) can be transformed to its isomorphous Cu(ii)-MOF (2) quantitatively in a single crystal to single crystal metal exchange process in a solid–liquid interface reaction.

Construction of functional coordination polymers derived from designed flexible bis(4-carboxybenzyl)amine

A series of coordination polymers (CPs) have been constructed from bis(4-carboxybenzyl)amine and a series of bis(imidazole) linkers. Luminescence sensing measurements indicate that two zinc-based CPs both show highly selective and sensitive sensing for acetone and Cr₂O₇²⁻/CrO₄²⁻.

Synthesis, Structure and Fluorescence Properties of Two Metal-Organic Frameworks Based on a Benzimidazole-Derived Ligand

The luminescent complexes [Cd(BIMP)2(NDC)2]n and [Zn(BIMP)2(NDC)]n (where (3-BIMP) = 3-(1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)pyridin-2(1H)-one and NDC = 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid) have been synthesised under hydrothermal conditions and their crystal structures determined. [Cd(BIMP)2(NDC)2]n exhibited a 1D → 2D → 3D framework structure and [Zn(BIMP)2(NDC)]n has a 3D porous structure. Under the same excitation energy (λex = 389 nm), [Zn(BIMP)2(NDC)]n showed a stronger fluorescence emission than the free 3-BIMP ligand, the NDC ligand and [Cd(BIMP)2(NDC)2]n.

Assembly of a series of coordination polymers built from rigid a tetracarboxylate ligand and flexible bis(imidazole) linker: syntheses, structural diversities, luminescence sensing, and photocatalytic properties

Hydrothermal reactions of aromatic terphenyl-4,2'',5'',4'-tetracarboxylic acid (H₄tta) and transitional metal cations in the presence of two flexible N-donor ancillary ligands afforded four novel coordination polymers, namely, {[Zn(tta)_0.5(m-bimb)]·H₂O}_n (1), [Ni₂(tta)(m-bimb)₂(H₂O)]_n (2), [Ni(H₂tta)(o-bimb)·H₂O]_n (3), and [Cd(tta)_0.5(o-bimb)]_n (4), from solvothermal reactions in the presence of bis(imidazole) bridging linkers (m-bimb = 1,3-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, and o-bimb = 1,2-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene). Their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by elemental analyses (EA), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. Compound 1 displayed a 2-fold 3D → 3D parallel entangled (4,4)-connected bbf net with the point symbol of (6⁴·8²)(6⁶)₂. Compound 2 featured a predocumented 3D (4,8)-connected (3²·5³·6)(3⁴·4⁴·5⁹·6¹¹) net. Compound 3 exhibited a 2D 4-connected sql sheet with the point symbol of (4⁴·6²), and compound 4 showed a 2D 4-connected (3²·6²·7²) kgm sheet. To our delight, fluorescence measurements showed that compound 1 could selectively and sensitively detect Cr³⁺ cations and nitrobenzene derivatives (nitrobenzene (NB), p-nitrotoluene (PNT), and p-nitroaniline (PNA)), which suggested that CPs of 1 was a promising bifunctional luminescence sensor material that could sense metal ions and small organic molecules. Moreover, 1 showed excellent photocatalytic activity.

A luminescent zinc(ii) coordination polymer with unusual (3,4,4)-coordinated self-catenated 3D network for selective detection of nitroaromatics and ferric and chromate ions: a versatile luminescent sensor

A zinc coordination polymer is a sensor for detection of TNP, Fe³⁺, Cr₂O₇²⁻ and CrO₄²⁻.

A stable 3D Cd(ii) metal–organic framework for highly sensitive detection of Cu2+ions and nitroaromatic explosives

A Cd(ii) coordination polymer, [Cd₃(L)₂(H₂O)₅]·(H₂O)₄(1) (H₃L= 9-(4-carboxy-phenyl)-9H-carbazoly-3,6-dicarboxylic acid) has been synthesized solvothermally.

Two cadmium coordination polymers based on tris(p-carboxyphenyl) phosphane oxide with highly selective sensing of nitrobenzene derivatives and Hg2+ cations

Based on the tris(p-carboxyphenyl)phosphane oxide ligand, two Cd(ii) CPs were obtained which could highly sense nitrobenzene derivatives and Hg²⁺ cations.

Assembling hierarchical metal–oxygen building units with a semirigid tetracarboxylate ligand into a three-dimensional framework for nitrobenzene sensing

A three-dimensional framework collecting hierarchical metal–oxygen multicluster, macrocyclic, and infinite chain-like building units was fabricated and investigated as efficient luminescent sensor towards nitrobenzene.