High loading of Mn(ii)-metalated porphyrin in a MOF for photocatalytic CO2 reduction in gas-solid conditions

Two-Dimensional Nickel Porphyrinic Metal-Organic Framework-Modified Electrode for Electrochemical Sensing

Due to their highly exposed active sites and high aspect ratio caused by their substantial lateral dimension and thin thickness, two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets are currently considered a potential hybrid material for electrochemical sensing. Herein, we present a nickel-based porphyrinic MOF nanosheet as a versatile and robust platform with an enhanced electrochemical detection performance. It is important to note that the nickel porphyrin ligand reacted with Cu(NO3)2·3H2O in a solvothermal process, with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) acting as the surfactant to control the anisotropic development of creating a 2D Cu-TCPP(Ni) MOF nanosheet structure. To realize the exceptional selectivity, sensitivity, and stability of the synthesized 2D Cu-TCPP(Ni) MOF nanosheet, a laser-induced graphene electrode was modified with the MOF nanosheet and employed as a sensor for the detection of p-nitrophenol (p-NP). With a detection range of 0.5-200 μM for differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and 0.9-300 μM for cyclic voltammetry (CV), the proposed sensor demonstrated enhanced electrochemical performance, with the limit of detection (LOD) for DPV and CV as 0.1 and 0.3 μM, respectively. The outstanding outcome of the sensor is attributed to the 2D Cu-TCPP(Ni) MOF nanosheet's substantial active surface area, innate catalytic activity, and superior adsorption capacity. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the proposed electrode sensor will make it possible to create high-performance electrochemical sensors for environmental point-of-care testing since it successfully detected p-NP in real sample analysis.

Porphyrin-Based Metal-Organic Framework Materials: Design, Construction, and Application in the Field of Photocatalysis

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a novel category of porous crystalline materials with an exceptionally high surface area and adjustable pore structure. They possess a designable composition and can be easily functionalized with different units. Porphyrins with conjugated tetrapyrrole macrocyclic structures can absorb light from ultraviolet to visible light regions, and their structures and properties can be facilely regulated by altering their peripheral groups or central metal ions. Porphyrin-based MOFs constructed from porphyrin ligands and metal nodes combine the unique features of porphyrins and MOFs as well as overcoming their respective limitations. This paper reviewed the design and construction, light absorption and charge transfer pathways, and strategy for improving the photocatalytic performance of porphyrin-based MOFs, and highlighted the recent progress in the field of CO2 reduction, hydrogen evolution, organic synthesis, organic pollutant removal, and nitrogen fixation. The intrinsic relationships between the structure and the property of porphyrin-based MOFs received special attention, especially the relationships between the arrangements of porphyrin ligands and metal nods and the charge transfer mechanism. We attempted to provide more valuable information for the design and construction of advanced photocatalysts in the future. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of the porphyrin-based MOFs are also discussed.

Recent Progress in 2D Metal-Organic Framework-Related Materials

2D metal-organic frameworks-based (2D MOF-related) materials benefit from variable topological structures, plentiful open active sites, and high specific surface areas, demonstrating promising applications in gas storage, adsorption and separation, energy conversion, and other domains. In recent years, researchers have innovatively designed multiple strategies to avoid the adverse effects of conventional methods on the synthesis of high-quality 2D MOFs. This review focuses on the latest advances in creative synthesis techniques for 2D MOF-related materials from both the top-down and bottom-up perspectives. Subsequently, the strategies are categorized and summarized for synthesizing 2D MOF-related composites and their derivatives. Finally, the current challenges are highlighted faced by 2D MOF-related materials and some targeted recommendations are put forward to inspire researchers to investigate more effective synthesis methods.

Fe(III)-Anchored Porphyrin-Based Nanoporous Covalent Organic Frameworks for Green Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from Olefins and CO2 under Atmospheric Pressure Conditions

The utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a C1 source coupled with olefins, readily accessible feedstocks, offers dual advantages of mitigating atmospheric carbon dioxide and green synthesis of valuable chemicals. In this regard, herein we demonstrate the application of Fe(III)-anchored porphyrin-based covalent organic framework (P-COF) as a promising recyclable catalyst for one-step generation of cyclic carbonates (CCs), value-added commodity chemicals from olefins and CO2, under mild atmospheric pressure conditions. Moreover, this one-pot synthesis was applied to transform various olefins (aliphatic and aromatic) into the corresponding CCs in good yield and selectivity. In addition, the Fe(III)@P-COF showed good recyclability and durability for multiple reuse cycles without losing its catalytic activity. Notably, this one-step synthesis strategy presents an eco-friendly, atom-economic alternative to the conventional two-step process requiring epoxides. This work represents a rare demonstration of porphyrin COF-catalyzed one-pot CC synthesis by utilizing readily available olefins at atmospheric pressure of carbon dioxide.

Catalytic Degradation of Triphenylmethane Dyes with an Iron Porphyrin Complex as a Cytochrome P450 Model

The organic dyes used in printing and dyeing wastewater have complex components, diverse structures and strong chemical stability, which make them not suitable for treatment and difficult to degrade in the environment. Porphyrins are macromolecules with 18 π electrons formed by four pyrrole molecules connected with a methylene bridge that has a stable structure. Porphyrin combines with iron to form an active intermediate with a structure similar to the cytochrome P450 enzyme, so they are widely used in the biomimetic field. In the current study, 5,10,15,20-tetra (4-carboxyphenyl) porphine ferric chloride (III) (Fe(III)TCPP) was used as a catalyst and iodosobenzene was used as an oxidant to explore the catalytic degradation of triphenylmethane dyes, such as rhodamine B (RhB) and malachite green (MG). The results of UV-Vis spectral analysis have shown that the conversion rate of the rhodamine B was over 90% when the amount of Fe(III)TCPP was 0.027 mM and the amount of iodosobenzene was eight equivalents. When the catalyst was 0.00681 mM and the amount of the oxidant was five equivalents, the conversion rate of the malachite green reached over 95%. This work provides a feasible method for the degradation of triphenylmethane dyes.

Predicting band gaps of MOFs on small data by deep transfer learning with data augmentation strategies

Porphyrin-based MOFs combine the unique photophysical and electrochemical properties of metalloporphyrins with the catalytic efficiency of MOF materials, making them an important candidate for light energy harvesting and conversion. However, accurate prediction of the band gap of porphyrin-based MOFs is hampered by their complex structure-function relationships. Although machine learning (ML) has performed well in predicting the properties of MOFs with large training datasets, such ML applications become challenging when the training data size of the materials is small. In this study, we first constructed a dataset of 202 porphyrin-based MOFs using DFT computations and increased the training data size using two data augmentation strategies. After that, four state-of-the-art neural network models were pre-trained with the recognized open-source database QMOF and fine-tuned with our augmented self-curated datasets. The GCN models predicted the band gaps of the porphyrin-based materials with the lowest RMSE of 0.2767 eV and MAE of 0.1463 eV. In addition, the data augmentation strategy rotation and mirroring effectively decreased the RMSE by 38.51% and MAE by 50.05%. This study demonstrates that, when proper transfer learning and data augmentation strategies are applied, machine learning models can predict the properties of MOFs using small training data.

Molecular Catalysis of Energy Relevance in Metal-Organic Frameworks: From Higher Coordination Sphere to System Effects

The modularity and synthetic flexibility of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have provoked analogies with enzymes, and even the term MOFzymes has been coined. In this review, we focus on molecular catalysis of energy relevance in MOFs, more specifically water oxidation, oxygen and carbon dioxide reduction, as well as hydrogen evolution in context of the MOF-enzyme analogy. Similar to enzymes, catalyst encapsulation in MOFs leads to structural stabilization under turnover conditions, while catalyst motifs that are synthetically out of reach in a homogeneous solution phase may be attainable as secondary building units in MOFs. Exploring the unique synthetic possibilities in MOFs, specific groups in the second and third coordination sphere around the catalytic active site have been incorporated to facilitate catalysis. A key difference between enzymes and MOFs is the fact that active site concentrations in the latter are often considerably higher, leading to charge and mass transport limitations in MOFs that are more severe than those in enzymes. High catalyst concentrations also put a limit on the distance between catalysts, and thus the available space for higher coordination sphere engineering. As transport is important for MOF-borne catalysis, a system perspective is chosen to highlight concepts that address the issue. A detailed section on transport and light-driven reactivity sets the stage for a concise review of the currently available literature on utilizing principles from Nature and system design for the preparation of catalytic MOF-based materials.

Construction of ZnIn2S4/MOF-525 heterojunction system to enhance photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline

Zirconium-based porphyrin metal organic frameworks (Zr-PMOFs) had attracted attention in the field of photocatalysis in recent years. However, the recombination of photogenerated carriers of monomer PMOF limits its performance of photocatalytic organic pollutants degradation. Metal sulfide has a suitable visible band gap, which can form a heterojunction with MOF materials to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of MOF. Therefore, a typical metal sulfide semiconductor ZnIn₂S₄ (ZIS) was introduced into a Zr-MOF (MOF-525) by solvothermal method to prepare a series of ZIS/MOF-525 (ZIS/MOF-525-1, ZIS/MOF-525-2, ZIS/MOF-525-3 and ZIS/MOF-525-4) composite photocatalysts in this work. The results of characterization analysis, optical analysis and electrochemical analysis showed that the interface of ZIS/MOF-525 formed a typical type-II heterojunction, which accelerated the electron transport rate and effectively inhibited the recombination of photogenerated e^- and h⁺ in MOF-525. The optimal removal efficiency of tetracycline (TC) by ZIS/MOF-525-3 (the mass of MOF-525 is 30 mg) reached 93.8% under 60 min visible light illumination, which was greater than that of pure MOF-525 (37.2%) and ZnIn₂S₄ (70.0%), and it still maintained good stability after five cycles reusing experiment. This work provides feasible insight for the preparation of novel and efficient PMOF-based photocatalysts in the future.

Iron-Complex-Based Supramolecular Framework Catalyst for Visible-Light-Driven CO2 Reduction

Molecule-based heterogeneous photocatalysts without noble metals are one of the most attractive systems for visible-light-driven CO₂ reduction. However, reports on this class of photocatalysts are still limited, and their activities are quite low compared to those containing noble metals. Herein, we report an iron-complex-based heterogeneous photocatalyst for CO₂ reduction with high activity. The key to our success is the use of a supramolecular framework composed of iron porphyrin complexes bearing pyrene moieties at meso positions. The catalyst exhibited high activity for CO₂ reduction under visible-light irradiation (29100 μmol g^-1 h^-1 for CO production, selectivity 99.9%), which is the highest among relevant systems. The performance of this catalyst is also excellent in terms of apparent quantum yield for CO production (0.298% at 400 nm) and stability (up to 96 h). This study provides a facile strategy to create a highly active, selective, and stable photocatalyst for CO₂ reduction without utilizing noble metals.

Dislocated Bilayer MOF Enables High-Selectivity Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to CO

The highly selective photoreduction of CO₂ into valuable small-molecule chemical feedstocks such as CO is an effective strategy for addressing the energy crisis and environmental problems. However, it remains a challenge because the complex CO₂ photoreduction process usually generates multiple possible products and requires a subsequent separation step. In this paper, 2D monolayer and bilayer porphyrin-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are successfully constructed by adjusting the reaction temperature and solvent polarity with 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-pyridyl)porphyrin as the light-harvesting ligand. The bilayer MOF is a low-dimensional MOF with a special structure in which the upper and lower layers are arranged in dislocation and are bridged by halogen ions. This bilayer MOF exhibits 100% ultra-high selectivity for the reduction of CO₂ to CO under simulated sunlight without any cocatalyst or photosensitizer and can be recycled at least three times. The intrinsic mechanism of this photocatalytic CO₂ reduction process is explored through experimental characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This work shows that the rational design of the number of layers in 2D MOF structures can tune the stability of these structures and opens a new avenue for the design of highly selective MOF photocatalysts.

Rational Construction of Metal Organic Framework Hybrid Assemblies for Visible Light-Driven CO2 Conversion

Photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ to value-added chemicals is known to be a promising approach for CO₂ conversion. The design and preparation of ideal photocatalysts for CO₂ conversion are of pivotal significance for the sustainable development of the whole society. In this work, we integrated two functional organic linkers to prepare a novel metal organic framework (MOF) photocatalyst {[Co(9,10-bis(4-pyridyl)anthracene)_0.5(bpda)]·4DMF} (Co-MOF). The existence of anthryl and amino groups leads to a wide range of visible light absorption and efficient separation of photogenerated electrons. To extend the lifetime of photogenerated electrons in the photocatalytic system, we modified Co-MOF particles onto g-C₃N₄. As expected, Co-MOF/g-C₃N₄ composites exhibited an ultrahigh selectivity (more than 97%) in the photocatalytic process, and the highest CO production rate (1824 μmol/g/h) was 7.1 and 27.2 times of Co-MOFs and g-C₃N₄, respectively. What's more, we also discussed the reaction mechanism of the Co-MOF/g-C₃N₄ photocatalytic CO₂ reduction, and this work paves the pathway for designing photocatalysts with ideal CO₂ reduction performance.

Revealing the stochastic kinetics evolution of photocatalytic CO2 reduction

Investigating kinetic mechanisms to design efficient photocatalysts is critical for improving photocatalytic CO₂ reduction, but the stochastic photo-physical/chemical properties of kinetics remain unclear. Herein, we propose a statistical study to discuss the stochastic feature evolution of photocatalytic systems. The uncertainties of light absorption, charge carrier migration, and surface reaction are described by nonparametric estimation methods in the proposed model, which includes the effect of operational and material parameters. The density distribution of surface electrons shifts from a skewed distribution to an approximate uniform distribution as incident photon density increases. The system temperature rising induces the rate-determining step of surface reactions to change from charge carrier kinetics to reactant activation processes. Benefiting from the synergistic optimization between the operational parameter and active site density, the electron-capturing probability of active sites is boosted from 0.06 to 0.17. The modified reaction kinetic equation is constructed based on the distribution function of charge carrier kinetics. Furthermore, the experimental photoactivity results are consistent with the statistical analysis, which proves the feasibility of the established model. The characterization tests show that the gap between testing activities and theoretical efficiency is caused by a mismatch between charge carrier supply and mass transfer. Our work unveils the stochastic features in photocatalytic CO₂ reduction, offering a comprehensive analytical framework for photocatalytic system optimization.

Trade-Off of Metal Sites in Fe-Ni Bimetal Metal-Organic Frameworks for Efficient CO2 Photoreduction with Nearly 100% CO Selectivity

This work disclosed the trade-off effect of two metal sites, which display distinct, key functionalities in naturally occurring and artificial catalysts for developing an advanced CO₂ reduction system. To exploit the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as advanced catalysts, we prepared a series of Prussian blue analogues (FeNi_x PBAs) of tunable Ni/Fe molar ratio without changing the oxidation state of Fe and Ni for use as a photocatalyst in the CO₂ reduction reaction (CRR). The FeNi_0.66 PBA gives a superior CO yield rate (14.28 mmol·g^-1·h^-1) with nearly 100% CO selectivity, but the PBA would be basically CRR-inactive without either Ni or Fe. Experimental and calculation studies demonstrate that Fe and Ni display distinct functionalities. Specifically, Fe is an efficient mediator that boosts the electron transfer both from the photosensitizer to FeNi_x PBA and from FeNi_x PBA to CO₂, and Ni serves as the active site for CO₂ adsorption and reduction. Intriguingly, when there is already sufficient Ni in the catalyst, further increase of the Ni content gives marginal gains in the CO₂ adsorption affinity that cannot offset the weakened electron transfer due to the Ni excess. The findings can help advance the design of bimetallic MOF catalysts that mimic naturally occurring bimetallic catalysts.

Anionic Porous Zn-Metalated Porphyrin Metal-Organic Framework with PtS Topology for Gas-Phase Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction

Presented here are the synthesis and gas-phase photocatalytic CO₂ reduction of an anionic porous Zn-metalated porphyrin metal-organic framework (MOF) induced by an ionic liquid. The desired CO₂ affinity and deep conduction band position of the MOF catalyst provide strong kinetic and thermodynamic advantages for photocatalytic CO₂ to CH₄ conversion with high selectivity (∼70%) in H₂O vapor.

Modulation of Trivalent/Tetravalent Metallic Elements in Ni-Based Layered Double Hydroxides for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction

Herein, by modulating trivalent/tetravalent metallic elements, NiMLDHs (M = Al, Co, Fe, Mn, and Ti) were successfully prepared and evaluated in photocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (PCRR). Photocatalytic results declared that the electronic yields followed the order of NiTiLDH > NiCoLDH > NiFeLDH > NiMnLDH > NiAlLDH. Multiple characterizations affirmed that the introduction of various trivalent/tetravalent metallic elements could visibly affect the three critical aspects: (i) light harvesting; (ii) charge separation and transfer; and (iii) surface reactions, thus governing PCRR performance. Importantly, an in-depth mechanistic investigation was conducted by in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) experiments. These layered double hydroxides (LDHs) exhibited different adsorption/activation behaviors toward CO₂ molecule: NiAlLDH primarily converted CO₂ into b-CO₃^2- species; NiCoLDH, NiFeLDH, and NiMnLDH could induce c-CO₃^2- intermediate; NiTiLDH could generate a higher proportion of ^•CO₂^- species, which was an important intermediate to produce CO. More favorable carries separation and adsorption/activation process was presented upon NiTiLDH, thus more markedly enhancing photoactivity.

Isolating Fe-O2 Intermediates in Dioxygen Activation by Iron Porphyrin Complexes

Dioxygen (O₂) is an environmentally benign and abundant oxidant whose utilization is of great interest in the design of bioinspired synthetic catalytic oxidation systems to reduce energy consumption. However, it is unfortunate that utilization of O₂ is a significant challenge because of the thermodynamic stability of O₂ in its triplet ground state. Nevertheless, nature is able to overcome the spin state barrier using enzymes, which contain transition metals with unpaired d-electrons facilitating the activation of O₂ by metal coordination. This inspires bioinorganic chemists to synthesize biomimetic small-molecule iron porphyrin complexes to carry out the O₂ activation, wherein Fe-O₂ species have been implicated as the key reactive intermediates. In recent years, a number of Fe-O₂ intermediates have been synthesized by activating O₂ at iron centers supported on porphyrin ligands. In this review, we focus on a few examples of these advances with emphasis in each case on the particular design of iron porphyrin complexes and particular reaction environments to stabilize and isolate metal-O₂ intermediates in dioxygen activation, which will provide clues to elucidate structures of reactive intermediates and mechanistic insights in biological processes.

Stable Nickel-Based Metal–Organic Framework Containing Thiophene/Diimidazole Units for Effective Near-Infrared Photothermal Conversion

Herein, a new Ni-based metal–organic framework (MOF, 1) bearing highly structural stability is synthesized by the reaction of utilizing a rigid and functionalized linker, 2,6-bis(pyridin-4-yl)-1,7-dihydrobenzo[1,2-d:4,5-d′]diimidazole (BBI4PY), in combination with Ni(NO3)2·6H2O and dibenzo[b,d]thiophene-3,7-dicarboxylic acid 5,5-dioxide (L1) under solvothermal conditions. The crystal structure of complex 1 is determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and is demonstrated to be a two-dimensional layered structure. In addition, PXRD, IR, TGA and UV/Vis-NIR spectra are also tested carefully to explore the solid structure of this complex. Remarkably, although no significant accumulation effect could be observed between the two-dimensional layers, a stacking interaction between DMF solvent molecules and ligand L1 could be found, which might promote non-radiative transitions and trigger obvious near-infrared photothermal conversion. Under 660 nm laser (0.6 W cm−2) illumination, the temperature of complex 1 increased rapidly from room temperature to 45.2 °C, with good thermal stability and cycle durability. Its photothermal conversion efficiency could reach 10.75%. This work provides an efficient way for assessing the promise of materials in the field of photothermal therapy.

A new two-dimensional cadmium(II) coordination polymer based on Cd6(CHADC)6 clusters (H2CHADC is cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid): synthesis, structure and properties

The highly effective recognition and detection of metal ions and anions in water has attracted much attention with respect to environmental safety. Herein, a novel Cd-based coordination polymer, poly[[4,4'-bis(2-methylimidazol-1-yl)biphenyl]bis(cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylato)dicadmium(II)], [Cd₂(C₈H₁₀O₄)₂(C₂₀H₁₈N₄)]_n or [Cd(CHADC)(4,4'-BMIBP)_0.5]_n, (I), has been synthesized employing cis-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid (H₂CHADC) and 4,4'-bis(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)biphenyl (4,4'-BMIBP). Single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals that (I) presents a 6-connected hxl two-dimensional layer based on Cd₆(CHADC)₆ clusters with the point symbol (3⁶·4⁶·5³). Furthermore, (I) has been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and fluorescence spectroscopy, and exhibits good stability and excellent photoluminescence properties. Coordination polymer (I) was chosen as a fluorescent probe to sense different target analytes and shows an obvious selective recognition response to Fe³⁺ cations and Cr₂O₇^2-/CrO₄^2- anions through luminescence-quenching effects in aqueous solution. The sensing mechanism was investigated and showed that the detection mechanism was resonance energy transfer between (I) and the Fe³⁺, Cr₂O₇^2- and CrO₄^2- ions.

Efficient and selective removal of Pb2+ from aqueous solution by using an O- functionalized metal-organic framework

Lead (Pb) is one of the most widespread and highly toxic heavy metals in the environment. The design and synthesis of adsorbent materials for the selective and efficient removal of Pb²⁺ from aqueous solution has received much attention. Herein, the ligand 4,4'-azoxydibenzoic acid with the O^- group was elaborately selected to construct a novel Pr-based MOF for Pb²⁺ removal. The as-prepared MOF adsorbents with high stability exhibited ultra-high selectivity for Pb²⁺, even in the presence of various highly concentrated competitive ions (with the ratios from 1 : 5 to 1 : 50). Also, a high uptake capacity (560.26 mg g^-1) can be achieved for the MOF material, due to the availability of sufficient adsorption sites. The strong electrostatic attraction and coordination interaction between the numerous active O^- sites on MOF adsorbents and Pb²⁺ can account for the good adsorption performance for Pb²⁺, which was systematically verified by zeta potential, FT-IR and XPS studies.

Covalent organic framework with sulfonic acid functional groups for visible light-driven CO2 reduction

In this study, a covalent organic framework (TpPa-SO₃H) photocatalyst with sulfonic acid function groups was synthesized using a solvothermal method. The morphologies and structural properties of the as-prepared composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption-desorption measurements, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. An electrochemical workstation was used to test the photoelectric performance of the materials. The results show that TpPa-SO₃H has -SO₃H functional groups and high photocatalytic performance for CO₂ reduction. After 4 h of visible-light irradiation, the amount of CO produced is 416.61 μmol g^-1. In addition, the TpPa-SO₃H photocatalyst exhibited chemical stability and reusability. After two testing cycles under visible light irradiation, the amount of CO produced decreased slightly to 415.23 and 409.15 μmol g^-1. The XRD spectra of TpPa-SO₃H were consistent before and after the cycles. Therefore, TpPa-SO₃H exhibited good photocatalytic activity. This is because the introduction of -SO₃H narrows the bandgap of TpPa-SO₃H, which enhances the visible light response range and greatly promotes the separation of photogenerated electrons.

Size-Induced Highly Selective Synthesis of Organometallic Rectangular Macrocycles and Heterometallic Cage Based on Half-Sandwich Rhodium Building Block

The controlled synthesis of organometallic supramolecular macrocycles cages remains interesting and challenging work in the field of supramolecular chemistry. Here, two tetranuclear rectangular macrocycles and an octuclear cage were designed and synthesized utilizing a rigid and functionalized pillar linker, 2,6-bis(pyridin-4-yl)-1,7-dihydrobenzo [1,2-d:4,5-d']diimidazole (BBI4PY) based on three half-sandwich rhodium building blocks bearing different sizes. X-ray crystallography in combination with 1H NMR spectroscopy elucidated that the two building blocks with shorter spacers only result in rectangular macrocycles. However, the building block of bulkier size to avoid the π-π stacking interactions between two ligands BBI4PY led to the formation of an octuclear cage complex. The latter cage contains two types of metal ions, namely Rh3+ and Cu2+, showing significant characteristics of heterogeneous metal-assembling compounds. In addition, the cage accommodates two free isopropyl ether solvent molecules, thus displaying host-guest behavior.

Synthesis and structure of a zinc(II) coordination polymer assembled with 5-(3-carboxybenzyloxy)isophthalic acid and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane

A zinc(II) coordination polymer [Zn(cyip)(bpe)] n (1), (cyipH2 = 5-(3-carboxybenzyloxy)-isophthalic acid, bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane), has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Its structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and further characterized by elemental analysis and IR spectra. Complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group I2/a. In 1, the [cyip]2– ligand bridges the Zn(II) cations to form infinite chains, which are connected through O–H···O hydrogen bonds into layers in the form of 2-fold interpenetrated nets.

Spectral properties and photophysical processes of meso styryl substituent triphenylamine-porphyrin derivatives

This work reports the synthesis and spectral properties of meso-styryl substituted triphenylamine-porphyrin derivatives, mP-BLP, mPPC-BLP and their metal coordinated complexes. The photophysical processes were analyzed and related to the meso-groups and centre metal ions. The meso styryl substituent in mP-BLP and its complexes are able to extend the conjugation of porphyrin macrocycle to the styryl motif, increase light harvesting ability and accelerate intersystem crossing (ISC) process. A large dihedral angle between the meso-styryl group and porphyrin macrocycle would prohibit the delocalization of electrons between the two motifs and induce the occurrence of solvation decay process. Increasing the electron-withdrawing ability of meso-substituent via additional pyrimidine group could promote the photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer (PIET) process for mPPC-BLP. Moreover, the coordination of metal ions would significantly accelerate the photophysical processes of both mP-BLP and mPPC-BLP. Specially, the Mg[Formula: see text] is helpful to the ISC process whereas Zn[Formula: see text] is adverse to the ISC process, while Cu[Formula: see text] would boost the non-radiation process. Furthermore, Zn[Formula: see text] is able to promote the PIET process of mPPC-BLP, exhibiting the highest charge-separated tendency among these porphyrins. mPPC-ZnBLP-based dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) devices show the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE). The photovoltaic performance of DSSC devices reveals the significancy of the photoinduced charge-separated tendency for the design of porphyrin sensitizers.

Ultrafine cobalt selenide nanowires tangled with MXene nanosheets as highly efficient electrocatalysts toward the hydrogen evolution reaction

Hydrogen energy has attracted sustainable attention in the exploitation and application of advanced power-generator devices, and electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) have been regarded as one of the core components in the current electrochemical hydrogen production systems. In this work, a facile and cost-effective bottom-up strategy is developed for the construction of 1D ultrafine cobalt selenide nanowires tangled with 2D Ti₃C₂T_x MXene nanosheets (CoSe NW/Ti₃C₂T_x) through an in situ stereo-assembly process. Such an architectural design endows the hybrid system not only with a large accessible surface for the rapid transportation of reactants, but also with numerous exposed CoSe edge sites, thereby generating substantial synergic coupling effects. The as-derived CoSe NW/Ti₃C₂T_x hybrid demonstrates competitive electrocatalytic properties toward the HER with a small onset potential of 84 mV, a low Tafel slope of 56 mV dec^-1 and exceptional cycling performance, which are superior to those of bare CoSe and Ti₃C₂T_x materials. It is believed this promising nanoarchitecture may provide new possibilities for the design and construction of precious-metal-free electrocatalysts with high efficiency and great stability in the energy-conversion field.

The crystal structure of poly[(μ2-terephthalato-κ4 O,O′: O″,O‴)-(μ4-terephthalato-κ4 O:O′:O″:O‴)-{μ4-(1,2,4,5-tetrakis(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-benzene-κ4 O:O′:O″,O‴)}dicadmium(II)] – water – acetronitrile (1/2/2), C38H36N14O10Cd2

C38H36N14O10Cd2, triclinic, P 1 ‾ $P\overline{1}$ (no. 2), a = 10.220(2) Å, b = 10.685(2) Å, c = 10.777(2) Å, α = 84.18(3)°, β = 72.02(3)°, γ = 75.28(3)°, V = 1082.3(4) Å3, Z = 1, R gt (F) = 0.0268, wR ref (F 2) = 0.0732, T = 293(2) K.

Stable Zinc-Based Metal-Organic Framework Photocatalyst for Effective Visible-Light-Driven Hydrogen Production

Herein, a new Zn-MOF material, [Zn(L1)(L2)], 1, was built successfully through a one-pot solvothermal method. The 3D MOF structure was determined by Single X-ray diffraction analysis, IR, and elemental analysis. A series of PXRD tests of 1 after being immersed in different solvents and pH solutions demonstrated the good stability of 1. Interestingly, this material displayed high catalytic activity for the visible-light-driven hydrogen generation under the illumination of white LED in pure water or a mixture of DMF and H₂O without additional photosensitizers and cocatalysts. Besides, the studies also showed that the catalytic activity changed constantly as well as the solvent ratio adjustment of DMF and H₂O from 4:6 to 2:8. Additionally, the catalytic activity reached the best value (743 μmol g^-1 h^-1) when the solvent ratio was 4:6. The heterogeneous nature and recyclability of the MOF catalyst, as well as several factors that affect the catalytic activity, were investigated and described in detail. Moreover, the photocatalytic mechanism for the hydrogen generation of 1 was also proposed based on the fluorescence spectra and UV-vis absorption.

Internal Interactions between Mixed Bulky Organic Cations on Passivating Defects in Perovskite Solar Cells

In perovskite solar cells (PSCs), bulky organic cation halide salt additions play a significant role in suppressing nonradiative recombination by passivating intrinsic defects in perovskites. Herein, a passivation treatment is developed by applying mixed bulky cations [guanidinium cation (GA⁺) and phenylethylammonium cations (PEA⁺)] as the additive for perovskite thin films. The internal interactions between the two bulky cations could result in lower carrier trap-state densities, a sharper Urbach tail, and better carrier transport in perovskite films in comparison with a control film. As a result, in comparison to the control device, which has a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.92%, the mixed-cation-based device exhibits a dramatic enhancement of PCE of 20.64%. Importantly, after 720 h of storage in an ambient atmosphere with a relative humidity (RH) of 60-80% at room temperature, the mixed-cation-based device retains 62.7% of its original performance, whereas the control devices decay to less than 40% of their original performance.

Crystal structure of poly[diaqua-(μ3-fumarato)-(μ3-maleato)-(μ4-1,2,4,5-tetrakis((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene)tetracadmium(II)] dihydrate, C34H32N12O9Cd4

C34H32N12O9Cd4, monoclinic, P 1 ‾ $P\overline{1}$ (no. 2), a = 9.894(2) Å, b = 9.942(2) Å, c = 10.896(2) Å, α = 94.35(3)°, β = 96.80(3)°, γ = 93.35(3)°, V = 1058.7(4) Å3, Z = 1, R gt (F) = 0.0406, wR ref(F 2) = 0.0984, T = 293(2) K.

The crystal structure of poly[diaqua-(μ2-1,2,4,5-tetrakis(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-benzene-κ2N:N′)-bis(μ3-terephthalato-κ3O:O′:O′′)dicadmium(II)], C17H15N6O5Cd

C17H15N6O5Cd, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 10.095(2) Å, b = 13.380(3) Å, c = 14.968(5) Å, β = 115.16(2)°, V = 1829.9(9) Å3, Z = 4, R gt (F) = 0.0267, wR ref (F 2) = 0.0602, T = 293(2) K.

Two robust Zn(ii)-organic frameworks as dual-functional fluorescent probes for efficient sensing of enrofloxacin and MnO4− anions

Two robust Zn-MOFs were employed as visual and ultra-sensitive indicators toward enrofloxacin (ENR) and MnO4− anions in aqueous phase.

Ultrasensitive fluorescence detection of norfloxacin in aqueous medium employing a 2D Zn(ii)-based coordination polymer

A 2D fluorescent coordination polymer, {[Zn(L)0.5(mip)] 1.75H2O}n (1), was successfully assembled. 1 was developed as an ultrasensitive fluorescent probe for the sensing of norfloxacin (NOR) in water.

Hydrogenation of furfural over Pd@ZIF-67 derived catalysts: direct hydrogenation and transfer hydrogenation

Pd particles coated with ZIF-67 (Pd@ZIF-67) was prepared from the self-reduction of palladium acetate.

Recent advances on bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (BMOFs): Syntheses, applications and challenges

Bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) possess two different metal ions as nodes in their molecular frameworks. They are prepared by either using one-pot syntheses wherein different metals are mixed with suitable...