The impact of crystal size and temperature on the adsorption-induced flexibility of the Zr-based metal-organic framework DUT-98

Quasi-open Cu(I) sites for efficient CO separation with high O2/H2O tolerance

Carbon monoxide (CO) separation relies on chemical adsorption but suffers from the difficulty of desorption and instability of open metal sites against O2, H2O and so on. Here we demonstrate quasi-open metal sites with hidden or shielded coordination sites as a promising solution. Possessing the trigonal coordination geometry (sp2), Cu(I) ions in porous frameworks show weak physical adsorption for non-target guests. Rational regulation of framework flexibility enables geometry transformation to tetrahedral geometry (sp3), generating a fourth coordination site for the chemical adsorption of CO. Quantitative breakthrough experiments at ambient conditions show CO uptakes up to 4.1 mmol g-1 and CO selectivity up to 347 against CO2, CH4, O2, N2 and H2. The adsorbents can be completely regenerated at 333-373 K to recover CO with a purity of >99.99%, and the separation performances are stable in high-concentration O2 and H2O. Although CO leakage concentration generally follows the structural transition pressure, large amounts (>3 mmol g-1) of ultrahigh-purity (99.9999999%, 9N; CO concentration < 1 part per billion) gases can be produced in a single adsorption process, demonstrating the usefulness of this approach for separation applications.

Water vapour induced structural flexibility in a square lattice coordination network

Herein, we introduce a new square lattice topology coordination network, sql-(1,3-bib)(ndc)-Ni, with three types of connection and detail its gas and vapour induced phase transformations. Exposure to humidity resulted in an S-shaped isotherm profile, suggesting potential utility of such materials as desiccants.

A Series of Novel 3D Coordination Polymers Based on the Quinoline-2,4-dicarboxylate Building Block and Lanthanide(III) Ions-Temperature Dependence Investigations

A series of novel 3D coordination polymers [Ln2(Qdca)3(H2O)x]·yH2O (x = 3 or 4, y = 0-4) assembled from selected lanthanide ions (Ln(III) = Nd, Eu, Tb, and Er) and a non-explored quinoline-2,4-dicarboxylate building block (Qdca2- = C11H5NO42-) were prepared under hydrothermal conditions at temperatures of 100, 120, and 150 °C. Generally, an increase in synthesis temperature resulted in structural transformations and the formation of more hydrated compounds. The metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction methods, thermal analysis (TG-DSC), ATR/FTIR, UV/Vis, and luminescence spectroscopy. The structural variety of three-dimensional coordination polymers can be ascribed to the temperature effect, which enforces the diversity of quinoline-2,4-dicarboxylate ligand denticity and conformation. The Qdca2- ligand only behaves as a bridging or bridging-chelating building block binding two to five metal centers with seven different coordination modes arising mainly from different carboxylate group coordination types. The presence of water molecules in the structures of complexes is crucial for their stability. The removal of both coordinated and non-coordinated water molecules leads to the disintegration and combustion of metal-organic frameworks to the appropriate lanthanide oxides. The luminescence features of complexes, quantum yield, and luminescent lifetimes were measured and analyzed. Only the Eu complexes show emission in the VIS region, whereas Nd and Er complexes emit in the NIR range. The luminescence properties of complexes were correlated with the crystal structures of the investigated complexes.

Water vapour and gas induced phase transformations in an 8-fold interpenetrated diamondoid metal-organic framework

In this work, we report the synthesis, structural characterisation and sorption properties of an 8-fold interpenetrated diamondoid (dia) metal-organic framework (MOF) that is sustained by a new extended linker ligand, [Cd(Imibz)₂], X-dia-2-Cd, HImibz or 2 = 4-((4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenylimino)methyl)benzoic acid. X-dia-2-Cd was found to exhibit reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SC-SC) transformations between four distinct phases: an as-synthesised (from N,N-dimethylformamide) wide-pore phase, X-dia-2-Cd-α; a narrow-pore phase, X-dia-2-Cd-β, formed upon exposure to water; a narrow-pore phase obtained by activation, X-dia-2-Cd-γ; a medium-pore CO₂-loaded phase X-dia-2-Cd-δ. While the space group remained constant in the four phases, the cell volumes and calculated void space ranged from 4988.7 ų and 47% (X-dia-2-Cd-α), respectively, to 3200.8 ų and 9.1% (X-dia-2-Cd-γ), respectively. X-dia-2-Cd-γ also exhibited a water vapour-induced structural transformation to the water-loaded X-dia-2-Cd-β phase, resulting in an S-shaped sorption isotherm. The inflection point occurred at 18% RH with negligible hysteresis on the desorption profile. Water vapour temperature-humidity swing cycling (60% RH, 300 K to 0% RH, 333 K) indicated hydrolytic stability of X-dia-2-Cd and working capacity was retained after 128 cycles of sorbent regeneration. CO₂ (at 195 K) was also observed to induce a structural transformation in X-dia-2-Cd-γ and in situ PXRD studies at 1 bar of CO₂, 195 K revealed the formation of X-dia-2-Cd-δ, which exhibited 31% larger unit cell volume than X-dia-2-Cd-γ.

One Atom Can Make All the Difference: Gas-Induced Phase Transformations in Bisimidazole-Linked Diamondoid Coordination Networks

Coordination networks (CNs) that undergo gas-induced transformation from closed (nonporous) to open (porous) structures are of potential utility in gas storage applications, but their development is hindered by limited control over their switching mechanisms and pressures. In this work, we report two CNs, [Co(bimpy)(bdc)]_n (X-dia-4-Co) and [Co(bimbz)(bdc)]_n (X-dia-5-Co) (H₂bdc = 1,4-benzendicarboxylic acid; bimpy = 2,5-bis(1H-imidazole-1-yl)pyridine; bimbz = 1,4-bis(1H-imidazole-1-yl)benzene), that both undergo transformation from closed to isostructural open phases involving at least a 27% increase in cell volume. Although X-dia-4-Co and X-dia-5-Co only differ from one another by one atom in their N-donor linkers (bimpy = pyridine, and bimbz = benzene), this results in different pore chemistry and switching mechanisms. Specifically, X-dia-4-Co exhibited a gradual phase transformation with a steady increase in the uptake when exposed to CO₂, whereas X-dia-5-Co exhibited a sharp step (type F-IV isotherm) at P/P₀ ≈ 0.008 or P ≈ 3 bar (195 or 298 K, respectively). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, in situ powder XRD, in situ IR, and modeling (density functional theory calculations, and canonical Monte Carlo simulations) studies provide insights into the nature of the switching mechanisms and enable attribution of pronounced differences in sorption properties to the changed pore chemistry.

Flexible Coordination Network Exhibiting Water Vapor-Induced Reversible Switching between Closed and Open Phases

That physisorbents can reduce the energy footprint of water vapor capture and release has attracted interest because of potential applications such as moisture harvesting, dehumidification, and heat pumps. In this context, sorbents exhibiting an S-shaped single-step water sorption isotherm are desirable, most of which are structurally rigid sorbents that undergo pore-filling at low relative humidity (RH), ideally below 30% RH. Here, we report that a new flexible one-dimensional (1D) coordination network, [Cu(HQS)(TMBP)] (H₂HQS = 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid and TMBP = 4,4'-trimethylenedipyridine), exhibits at least five phases: two as-synthesized open phases, α ⊃ H₂O and β ⊃ MeOH; an activated closed phase (γ); CO₂ (δ ⊃ CO₂) and C₂H₂ (ϵ ⊃ C₂H₂) loaded phases. The γ phase underwent a reversible structural transformation to α ⊃ H₂O with a stepped sorption profile (Type F-IV) when exposed to water vapor at <30% RH at 300 K. The hydrolytic stability of [Cu(HQS)(TMBP)] was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) after immersion in boiling water for 6 months. Temperature-humidity swing cycling measurements demonstrated that working capacity is retained for >100 cycles and only mild heating (<323 K) is required for regeneration. Unexpectedly, the kinetics of loading and unloading of [Cu(HQS)(TMBP)] compares favorably with well-studied rigid water sorbents such as Al-fumarate, MOF-303, and CAU-10-H. Furthermore, a polymer composite of [Cu(HQS)(TMBP)] was prepared and its water sorption retained its stepped profile and uptake capacity over multiple cycles.

Coordination flexibility aided CO2-specific gating in an Iron Isonicotinate MOF

Coordination flexibility assisted porosity has been introduced into an Iron-isonicotinate metal organic framework (MOF), (Fe(4-PyC) 2 .(OH). The framework showed CO 2 -specific gate opening behavior, which gets tuned as a function of temperature and pressure. The MOF's physisorptive porosity towards CO 2 , CH 4 , and N 2 was investigated; it adsorbed only CO 2 via a gate opening phenomenon. The isonicotinate, representing a borderline soft base, is bound to the hard Fe 3+ centre through monodentate carboxylate and pyridyl nitrogen. This moderately weak binding enables isonicotinate to spin like a spindle under the CO 2 pressure opening the gate for a sharp increase in CO 2 uptake at 333 mmHg (At 298K, the CO 2 uptake increases from 0.70 to 1.57 mmol/g). We investigated the MOF's potential for CO 2 /N 2 and CO 2 /CH 4 gas separation aided by this gating. IAST model reveals that the CO 2 /N 2 selectivity jumps from 325 to 3131 when the gate opens, while the CO 2 /CH 4 selectivity increases three times. Interestingly, this Fe-isonicotinate MOF did not follow the trend set by our earlier reported Hard-Soft Gate Control (established for isostructural M 2+ -isonicotinate MOFs (M = Mg, Mn)). However, we account for this discrepancy using the different oxidation state of metals confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and magnetism.

MOFs in the time domain

Many of the proposed applications of metal-organic framework (MOF) materials may fail to materialize if the community does not fully address the difficult fundamental work needed to map out the 'time gap' in the literature - that is, the lack of investigation into the time-dependent behaviours of MOFs as opposed to equilibrium or steady-state properties. Although there are a range of excellent investigations into MOF dynamics and time-dependent phenomena, these works represent only a tiny fraction of the vast number of MOF studies. This Review provides an overview of current research into the temporal evolution of MOF structures and properties by analysing the time-resolved experimental techniques that can be used to monitor such behaviours. We focus on innovative techniques, while also discussing older methods often used in other chemical systems. Four areas are examined: MOF formation, guest motion, electron motion and framework motion. In each area, we highlight the disparity between the relatively small amount of (published) research on key time-dependent phenomena and the enormous scope for acquiring the wider and deeper understanding that is essential for the future of the field.

Spiers Memorial Lecture: Coordination networks that switch between nonporous and porous structures: an emerging class of soft porous crystals

Coordination networks (CNs) are a class of (usually) crystalline solids typically comprised of metal ions or cluster nodes linked into 2 or 3 dimensions by organic and/or inorganic linker ligands. Whereas CNs tend to exhibit rigid structures and permanent porosity as exemplified by most metal-organic frameworks, MOFs, there exists a small but growing class of CNs that can undergo extreme, reversible structural transformation(s) when exposed to gases, vapours or liquids. These "soft" or "stimuli-responsive" CNs were introduced two decades ago and are attracting increasing attention thanks to two features: the amenability of CNs to design from first principles, thereby enabling crystal engineering of families of related CNs; and the potential utility of soft CNs for adsorptive storage and separation. A small but growing subset of soft CNs exhibit reversible phase transformations between nonporous (closed) and porous (open) structures. These "switching CNs" are distinguished by stepped sorption isotherms coincident with phase transformation and, perhaps counterintuitively, they can exhibit benchmark properties with respect to working capacity (storage) and selectivity (separation). This review addresses fundamental and applied aspects of switching CNs through surveying their sorption properties, analysing the structural transformations that enable switching, discussing structure-function relationships and presenting design principles for crystal engineering of the next generation of switching CNs.

Efficient Removal of Chromium(VI) Anionic Species and Dye Anions from Water Using MOF-808 Materials Synthesized with the Assistance of Formic Acid

This study presents a simple approach to prepare MOF-808, an ultra-stable Zr-MOF constructed from 6-connected zirconium clusters and 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid, with tailored particle sizes. Varying the amount of formic acid as a modulator in the range of 200-500 equivalents results in MOF-808 materials with a crystal size from 40 nm to approximately 1000 nm. Apart from the high specific surface area, a combination of a fraction of mesopore and plenty of acidic centers on the Zr-clusters induces a better interaction with the ionic pollutants such as K2Cr2O7 and anionic dyes. MOF-808 shows uptakes of up to 141.2, 642.0, and 731.0 mg/g for K2Cr2O7, sunset yellow, and quinoline yellow, respectively, in aqueous solutions at ambient conditions. The uptakes for the ionic dyes are significantly higher than those of other MOFs reported from the literature. Moreover, the adsorption capacity of MOF-808 remains stable after four cycles. Our results demonstrate that MOF-808 is a promising ideal platform for removing oxometallates and anionic dyes from water.

Mechanical rigidity of a shape-memory metal-organic framework increases by crystal downsizing

Soft porous nanocrystals with a pronounced shape-memory effect exhibit two- to three-fold increase in elastic modulus compared to the microcrystalline counterpart as determined by atomic force microscopy nanoindentation. The increase in rigidity is consistent with the known shape-memory effect displayed by the framework solid at the nanoscale. Crystal downsizing can offer new avenues for tailoring the mechanical properties of metal-organic frameworks.

Petkov P, Evans JD, Krylova S, Krylov A, Kaskel S. Tailoring adsorption induced switchability of a pillared layer MOF by crystal size engineering

The main factors affecting switchability are identified for DUT-8(Zn): energetics of the host, particle size, and desolvation stress. They influence the flexible behaviour to the same order of magnitude and should be always considered collectively.

Beyond Frameworks: Structuring Reticular Materials across Nano-, Meso-, and Bulk Regimes

Reticular materials are of high interest for diverse applications, ranging from catalysis and separation to gas storage and drug delivery. These open, extended frameworks can be tailored to the intended application through crystal-structure design. Implementing these materials in application settings, however, requires structuring beyond their lattices, to interface the functionality at the molecular level effectively with the macroscopic world. To overcome this barrier, efforts in expressing structural control across molecular, nano-, meso-, and bulk regimes is the essential next step. In this Review, we give an overview of recent advances in using self-assembly as well as externally controlled tools to manufacture reticular materials over all the length scales. We predict that major research advances in deploying these two approaches will facilitate the use of reticular materials in addressing major needs of society.

Engineering micromechanics of soft porous crystals for negative gas adsorption

Framework materials at the molecular level, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOF), were recently found to exhibit exotic and counterintuitive micromechanical properties. Stimulated by host-guest interactions, these so-called soft porous crystals can display counterintuitive adsorption phenomena such as negative gas adsorption (NGA). NGA materials are bistable frameworks where the occurrence of a metastable overloaded state leads to pressure amplification upon a sudden framework contraction. How can we control activation barriers and energetics via functionalization of the molecular building blocks that dictate the frameworks' mechanical response? In this work we tune the elastic and inelastic properties of building blocks at the molecular level and analyze the mechanical response of the resulting frameworks. From a set of 11 frameworks, we demonstrate that widening of the backbone increases stiffness, while elongation of the building blocks results in a decrease in critical yield stress of buckling. We further functionalize the backbone by incorporation of sp3 hybridized carbon atoms to soften the molecular building blocks, or stiffen them with sp2 and sp carbons. Computational modeling shows how these modifications of the building blocks tune the activation barriers within the energy landscape of the guest-free bistable frameworks. Only frameworks with free energy barriers in the range of 800 to 1100 kJ mol-1 per unit cell, and moderate yield stress of 0.6 to 1.2 nN for single ligand buckling, exhibit adsorption-induced contraction and negative gas adsorption. Advanced experimental in situ methodologies give detailed insights into the structural transitions and the adsorption behavior. The new framework DUT-160 shows the highest magnitude of NGA ever observed for nitrogen adsorption at 77 K. Our computational and experimental analysis of the energetics and mechanical response functions of porous frameworks is an important step towards tuning activation barriers in dynamic framework materials and provides critical design principles for molecular building blocks leading to pressure amplifying materials.

Single particle Raman spectroscopy analysis of the metal-organic framework DUT-8(Ni) switching transition under hydrostatic pressure

Experimental in situ observations of phase coexistence in switchable metal-organic frameworks are reported to provide a fundamental understanding of dynamic adsorbents that can change their pore structure in response to external stimuli. A prototypical flexible pillared layer framework DUT-8(Ni) (DUT = Dresden University of Technology) was studied under hydrostatic pressure by in situ Raman spectroscopy on single crystals. The closing transition of the open pore phase (op) containing DMF in the pores in silicon oil as a pressure transmitting fluid, as well as the closed pore phase (cp) to op transition under pressure in methanol, were studied. Phase coexistences during both transitions were observed.

Impact of Defects and Crystal Size on Negative Gas Adsorption in DUT-49 Analyzed by In Situ 129Xe NMR Spectroscopy

The origin of crystal-size-dependent adsorption behavior of flexible metal-organic frameworks is increasingly studied. In this contribution, we probe the solid-fluid interactions of DUT-49 crystals of different size by in situ 129Xe NMR spectroscopy at 200 K. With decreasing size of the crystals, the average solid-fluid interactions are found to decrease reflected by a decrease in chemical shift of adsorbed xenon from 230 to 200 ppm, explaining the lack of adsorption-induced transitions for smaller crystals. However, recent studies propose that these results can also originate from the presence of lattice defects. To investigate the influence of defects on the adsorption behavior of DUT-49, we synthesized a series of samples with tailored defect concentrations and characterized them by in situ 129Xe NMR. In comparison to the results obtained for crystals with different size, we find pronounced changes of the adsorption behavior and influence of the chemical shift only for very high concentrations of defects, which further emphasizes the important role of particle size phenomena.

Four-dimensional metal-organic frameworks

Recognising timescale as an adjustable dimension in porous solids provides a new perspective to develop novel four-dimensional framework materials. The deliberate design of three-dimensional porous framework architectures is a developed field; however, the understanding of dynamics in open frameworks leaves a number of key questions unanswered: What factors determine the spatiotemporal evolution of deformable networks? Can we deliberately engineer the response of dynamic materials along a time-axis? How can we engineer energy barriers for the selective recognition of molecules? Answering these questions will require significant methodological development to understand structural dynamics across a range of time and length scales.