Control of Interpenetration and Gas‐Sorption Properties of Metal–Organic Frameworks by a Simple Change in Ligand Design

In metal–organic framework (MOF) chemistry, interpenetration greatly affects the gas‐sorption properties. However, there is a lack of a systematic study on how to control the interpenetration and whether the interpenetration enhances gas uptake capacities or not. Herein, we report an example of interpenetration that is simply controlled by the presence of a carbon–carbon double or single bond in identical organic building blocks, and provide a comparison of gas‐sorption properties for these similar frameworks, which differ only in their degree of interpenetration. Noninterpenetrated ( SNU‐70 ) and doubly interpenetrated ( SNU‐71 ) cubic nets were prepared by a solvothermal reaction of [Zn(NO₃)₂] ? 6 H₂O in N,N‐diethylformamide (DEF) with 4‐(2‐carboxyvinyl)benzoic acid and 4‐(2‐carboxyethyl)benzoic acid, respectively. They have almost‐identical structures, but the noninterpenetrated framework has a much bigger pore size (ca. 9.0×9.0 Å) than the interpenetrated framework (ca. 2.5×2.5 Å). Activation of the MOFs by using supercritical CO₂ gave SNU‐70′ and SNU‐71′ . The simulation of the PXRD pattern of SNU‐71′ indicates the rearrangement of the interpenetrated networks on guest removal, which increases pore size. SNU‐70′ has a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 5290 m² g^?1, which is the highest value reported to date for a MOF with a cubic‐net structure, whereas SNU‐71′ has a BET surface area of 1770 m² g^?1. In general, noninterpenetrated SNU‐70′ exhibits much higher gas‐adsorption capacities than interpenetrated SNU‐71′ at high pressures, regardless of the temperature. However, at P<1 atm, the gas‐adsorption capacities for N₂ at 77 K and CO₂ at 195 K are higher for noninterpenetrated SNU‐70′ than for interpenetrated SNU‐71′ , but the capacities for H₂ and CH₄ are the opposite; SNU‐71′ has higher uptake capacities than SNU‐70′ due to the higher isosteric heat of gas adsorption that results from the smaller pores. In particular, SNU‐70′ has exceptionally high H₂ and CO₂ uptake capacities. By using a post‐synthetic method, the C?C double bond in SNU‐70 was quantitatively brominated at room temperature, and the MOF still showed very high porosity (BET surface area of 2285 m² g^?1).     

Comparison of Gas Sorption Properties of Neutral and Anionic Metal–Organic Frameworks Prepared from the Same Building Blocks but in Different Solvent Systems

Two different 3D porous metal–organic frameworks, [Zn₄O(NTN)₂]?10 DMA?7 H₂O ( SNU‐150 ) and [Zn₅(NTN)₄(DEF)₂][NH₂(C₂H₅)₂]₂?8 DEF?6 H₂O ( SNU‐151 ), are synthesized from the same metal and organic building blocks but in different solvent systems, specifically, in the absence and the presence of a small amount of acid. SNU‐150 is a doubly interpenetrated neutral framework, whereas SNU‐151 is a non‐interpenetrated anionic framework containing diethylammonium cations in the pores. Comparisons of the N₂, H₂, CO₂, and CH₄ gas adsorption capacities as well as the CO₂ adsorption selectivity over N₂ and CH₄ in desolvated SNU‐150′ (BET: 1852 m² g^?1) and SNU‐151′ (BET: 1563 m² g^?1) samples demonstrate that the charged framework is superior to the neutral framework for gas storage and gas separation, despite its smaller surface area and different framework structure.     

Beyond Clusters: Supramolecular Networks Self‐Assembled from Nanosized Silver Clusters and Inorganic Anions

Assembly of small clusters into rigid bodies with precise shape and symmetry has been witnessed by the significant advances in cluster‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), however, nanosized silver cluster based MOFs remain largely unexplored. Herein, two anion‐templated silver clusters, CO₃@Ag₂₀ and SO₄@Ag₂₂, were ingeniously incorporated into a 2D sql lattice ( 1 , [CO₃@Ag₂₀(iPrS)₁₀(NO₃)₈(DMF)₂]_n) and an unprecedented 3D two‐fold interpenetrated dia network ( 2 , [SO₄@Ag₂₂(iPrS)₁₂(NO₃)₆ ? 2 NO₃]_n), respectively, under mild solvothermal conditions. Their atomically precise structures were confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and further consolidated by IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and elemental analysis. Each drum‐like CO₃@Ag₂₀ cluster is extended by twelve NO₃^? ions to form the 2D sql lattice of 1 , whereas each ball‐shaped SO₄@Ag₂₂ cluster with a twisted truncated tetrahedral geometry is pillared by four [Ag₆(NO₃)₃] triangular prisms to form the 3D interpenetrated dia network of 2 . Notably, 2 is the first interpenetrated 3D MOF constructed from silver clusters. These results demonstrate the dual role of the anions, which not only internally act as anion templates to induce the formation of silver thiolate clusters but also externally extend the cluster units into the rigid networks. The photoluminescent and electrochemical properties of 2 are discussed in detail.     

A Flexible Two‐Fold Interpenetrated Indium MOF Exhibiting Dynamic Response to Gas Adsorption and High‐Sensitivity Detection of Nitroaromatic Explosives

A flexible two‐fold interpenetrated indium metal‐organic framework InOF‐23 , featuring one‐dimensional micro‐sized channels decorated by exposed N groups, was successfully synthesized. Interestingly, InOF‐23 displays unique dynamic responses to different gases (N₂, Ar, and CO₂) at low and room temperatures, which indicates that it can be a good candidate for gas adsorption and separation. Furthermore, the high efficiency detection for p‐nitroaniline (pNA) makes InOF‐23 a potential chemosensor for nitroaromatic explosives.     

Reversible Switching between Highly Porous and Nonporous Phases of an Interpenetrated Diamondoid Coordination Network That Exhibits Gate‐Opening at Methane Storage Pressures

Herein, we report that a new flexible coordination network, NiL₂ (L=4‐(4‐pyridyl)‐biphenyl‐4‐carboxylic acid), with diamondoid topology switches between non‐porous (closed) and several porous (open) phases at specific CO₂ and CH₄ pressures. These phases are manifested by multi‐step low‐pressure isotherms for CO₂ or a single‐step high‐pressure isotherm for CH₄. The potential methane working capacity of NiL₂ approaches that of compressed natural gas but at much lower pressures. The guest‐induced phase transitions of NiL₂ were studied by single‐crystal XRD, in situ variable pressure powder XRD, synchrotron powder XRD, pressure‐gradient differential scanning calorimetry (P‐DSC), and molecular modeling. The detailed structural information provides insight into the extreme flexibility of NiL₂ . Specifically, the extended linker ligand, L , undergoes ligand contortion and interactions between interpenetrated networks or sorbate–sorbent interactions enable the observed switching.     

Tuning CO2 Uptake and Reversible Iodine Adsorption in Two Isoreticular MOFs through Ligand Functionalization

The synthesis and characterization of two isoreticular metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), {[Cd(bdc)(4‐bpmh)]}_n?2 n(H₂O) ( 1 ) and {[Cd(2‐NH₂bdc)(4‐bpmh)]}_n?2 n(H₂O) ( 2 ) [bdc=benzene dicarboxylic acid; 2‐NH₂bdc=2‐amino benzene dicarboxylic acid; 4‐bpmh=N,N‐bis‐pyridin‐4‐ylmethylene‐hydrazine], are reported. Both compounds possess similar two‐fold interpenetrated 3D frameworks bridged by dicarboxylates and a 4‐bpmh linker. The 2D Cd‐dicarboxylate layers are extended along the a‐axis to form distorted square grids which are further pillared by 4‐bpmh linkers to result in a 3D pillared‐bilayer interpenetrated framework. Gas adsorption studies demonstrate that the amino‐functionalized MOF 2 shows high selectivity for CO₂ (8.4 wt % 273 K and 7.0 wt % 298 K) over CH₄, and the uptake amounts are almost double that of non‐functional MOF 1 . Iodine (I₂) adsorption studies reveal that amino‐functionalized MOF 2 exhibits a faster I₂ adsorption rate and controlled delivery of I₂ over the non‐functionalized homolog 1 .     

A C3‐Symmetric Macrocycle‐Based,Hydrogen‐Bonded,Multiporous Hexagonal Network as a Motif of Porous Molecular Crystals

A C₃‐symmetric π‐conjugated macrocycle combined with an appropriate hydrogen bonding module (phenylene triangle) allowed the construction of crystalline supramolecular frameworks with a cavity volume of up to 58 %. The frameworks were obtained through non‐interpenetrated stacking of a hexagonal sheet possessing three kinds of pores with different sizes and shapes. The activated porous material absorbed CO₂ up to 96 cm³ g^?1 at 195 K under 1 atm.     

A C3‐Symmetric Macrocycle‐Based,Hydrogen‐Bonded,Multiporous Hexagonal Network as a Motif of Porous Molecular Crystals

A C₃‐symmetric π‐conjugated macrocycle combined with an appropriate hydrogen bonding module (phenylene triangle) allowed the construction of crystalline supramolecular frameworks with a cavity volume of up to 58 %. The frameworks were obtained through non‐interpenetrated stacking of a hexagonal sheet possessing three kinds of pores with different sizes and shapes. The activated porous material absorbed CO₂ up to 96 cm³ g⁻¹ at 195 K under 1 atm.     

Maximizing Electroactive Sites in a Three-Dimensional Covalent Organic Framework for Significantly Improved Carbon Dioxide Reduction Electrocatalysis

Synthesis of functional 3D COFs with irreversible bond is challenging. Herein, 3D imide-bonded COFs were constructed via the imidization reaction between phthalocyanine-based tetraanhydride and 1,3,5,7-tetra(4-aminophenyl)adamantine. These two 3D COFs are made up of interpenetrated pts networks according to powder X-ray diffraction and gas adsorption analyses. CoPc-PI-COF-3 doped with carbon black has been employed to fabricate the electrocatalytic cathode towards CO₂ reduction reaction within KHCO₃ aqueous solution, displaying the Faradaic efficiency of 88–96 % for the CO₂-to-CO conversion at the voltage range of ca. ?0.60 to ?1.00 V (vs. RHE). In particular, the 3D porous structure of CoPc-PI-COF-3 enables the active electrocatalytic centers occupying 32.7 % of total cobalt-phthalocyanine subunits, thus giving a large current density (j_CO) of ?31.7 mA cm^?2 at ?0.90 V. These two parameters are significantly improved than the excellent 2D COF analogue (CoPc-PI-COF-1, 5.1 % and ?21.2 mA cm^?2).     

Flexible and Rigid Amine‐Functionalized Microporous Frameworks Based on Different Secondary Building Units: Supramolecular Isomerism,Selective CO2 Capture,and Catalysis

We report the synthesis, structural characterization, and porous properties of two isomeric supramolecular complexes of ([Cd(NH₂?bdc)(bphz)_0.5]?DMF?H₂O}_n (NH₂?bdc=2‐aminobenzenedicarboxylic acid, bphz=1,2‐bis(4‐pyridylmethylene)hydrazine) composed of a mixed‐ligand system. The first isomer, with a paddle‐wheel‐type Cd₂(COO)₄ secondary building unit (SBU), is flexible in nature, whereas the other isomer has a rigid framework based on a μ‐oxo‐bridged Cd₂(μ‐OCO)₂ SBU. Both frameworks are two‐fold interpenetrated and the pore surface is decorated with pendant ?NH₂ and ?N?N? functional groups. Both the frameworks are nonporous to N₂, revealed by the type II adsorption profiles. However, at 195 K, the first isomer shows an unusual double‐step hysteretic CO₂ adsorption profile, whereas the second isomer shows a typical type I CO₂ profile. Moreover, at 195 K, both frameworks show excellent selectivity for CO₂ among other gases (N₂, O₂, H₂, and Ar), which has been correlated to the specific interaction of CO₂ with the ?NH₂ and ?N?N? functionalized pore surface. DFT calculations for the oxo‐bridged isomer unveiled that the ?NH₂ group is the primary binding site for CO₂. The high heat of CO₂ adsorption (ΔH_ads=37.7 kJ mol^?1) in the oxo‐bridged isomer is realized by NH₂???CO₂/aromatic π???CO₂ and cooperative CO₂???CO₂ interactions. Further, postsynthetic modification of the ?NH₂ group into ?NHCOCH₃ in the second isomer leads to a reduced CO₂ uptake with lower binding energy, which establishes the critical role of the ?NH₂ group for CO₂ capture. The presence of basic ?NH₂ sites in the oxo‐bridged isomer was further exploited for efficient catalytic activity in a Knoevenagel condensation reaction.     

Synthesizing Interpenetrated Triazine-based Covalent Organic Frameworks from CO2

Crystalline triazine-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are aromatic nitrogen-rich porous materials. COFs typically show high thermal/chemical stability, and are promising for energy applications, but often require harsh synthesis conditions and suffer from low crystallinity. In this work, we propose an environmentally friendly route for the synthesis of crystalline COFs from CO₂ molecules as a precursor. The mass ratio of CO₂ conversion into COFs formula unit reaches 46.3 %. The synthesis consists of two steps; preparation of 1,4-piperazinedicarboxaldehyde from CO₂ and piperazine, and condensation of the dicarboxaldehyde and melamine to construct the framework. The CO₂-derived COF has a 3-fold interpenetrated structure of 2D layers determined by powder X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and select-area electron diffraction. The structure shows a high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of 945 m² g⁻¹ and high stability against strong acid (6 M HCl), base (6 M NaOH), and boiling water over 24 hours. Post-modification of the framework with oxone has been demonstrated to modulate hydrophilicity, and it exhibits proton conductivity of 2.5×10⁻² S cm⁻¹ at 85 °C, 95 % of relative humidity.     

Construction of Mesoporous Frameworks with Vanadoborate Clusters

A new porous vanadoborate was synthesized by employing the scale chemistry theory with the vanadoborate cluster V₁₀B₂₈. The twofold interpenetrated lvt network was assembled with zinc‐containing elliptical vanadoborate clusters and Zn polyhedra. The single lvt framework contains a three‐dimensional 38×38×20 ring channel system with the pore size (24.7×12.7 Å) reaching the mesoscale, thus indicating the possibility of constructing 3D ordered mesopores with vanadoborate clusters. The porosity of the SUT‐7 structure was confirmed by CO₂ adsorption of the as‐synthesized materials.     

Collective Breathing in an Eightfold Interpenetrated Metal–Organic Framework: From Mechanistic Understanding towards Threshold Sensing Architectures

Functional materials that respond to chemical or physical stimuli through reversible structural transformations are highly desirable for the integration into devices. Now, a new stable and flexible eightfold interpenetrated three-dimensional (3D) metal–organic framework (MOF) is reported, [Zn(oba)(pip)]_n (JUK-8) based on 4,4′-oxybis(benzenedicarboxylate) (oba) and 4-pyridyl functionalized benzene-1,3-dicarbohydrazide (pip) linkers, featuring distinct switchability in response to guest molecules (H₂O and CO₂) or temperature. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD), combined with density functional theory (DFT) and grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations, reveal a unique breathing mechanism involving collective motions of eight mixed-linker diamondoid subnetworks with only minor displacements between them. The pronounced stepwise volume change of JUK-8 during water adsorption is used to construct an electron conducting composite film for resistive humidity sensing.     

Three New MOFs Induced by Organic Linker Coordination Modes: Gas Sorption,Luminescence, and Magnetic Properties

By using a new 4,6‐bis(imidazol‐1‐yl) isophthalic acid ligand (H₂bimip) with imidazolyl and carboxyl bifunctional groups, three new MOFs, [Co(bimip)(H₂O)_0.5] ? 0.5 H₂O ( 1 ), [Zn(bimip)] ( 2 ), and [Mn(bimip)(H₂O)₂] ? H₂O ( 3 ), have been solvothermally synthesized in different solvent systems. H₂bimip displays three different coordinated modes through the imidazolyl and carboxyl groups, and different cis–cis and trans–cis configurations, which result in distinct 3D topological frameworks: a (4,8)‐connected scu net for 1 ; a twofold interpenetrated (4,4)‐connected pts net for 2 ; and a four‐connected sra net for 3 . Compounds 1 and 3 show antiferromagnetic properties, and 2 emits strong solid‐state blue luminescence. Compound 1 shows good chemical stability in acidic and basic environments and in boiling water. Additionally, the polar channels in 1 , which are decorated by uncoordinated carboxylate O atoms and imidazolyl fragments, allow it to adsorb CO₂ molecules selectively over CH₄, and the CO₂ binding sites in the framework were distinguished by molecular simulations.     

3D Enantiomorphic Mg‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks as Chemical Sensor of Nitrobenzene and Efficient Catalyst for CO2 Cycloaddition

Two enantiomorphic Mg^II‐based metal‐organic frameworks, {MgL(H₂O)₂}_n ( 1‐D and 1‐L ) (where H₂L=2,2′‐bipyridyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic acid) have been synthesized by solvothermal reaction without any chiral auxiliary. The single‐crystal X‐ray measurement and the structural analysis indicate that both 1‐D and 1‐L possess 2‐fold interpenetrated frameworks with different left‐ and right‐handed helical chains simultaneously, which serve as chiral source, thus transmitting chirality over the whole frameworks. The fluorescence measurements reveal that they exhibit a strong quenching response to nitrobenzene and could be potentially used as a chemical sensor. Owing to the accessible Lewis acidic sites in channels, they display high catalytic efficiency for cycloaddition reaction of CO₂ with epoxides and could be reused five times without losing activity.     

Two Disparate 2‐fold Interpenetrating Frameworks Constructed from ZnII, 4,4′‐Dipyridyl Disulfide and Maleic/ Fumaric Acid

The reaction of Zn^II nitrate with maleic acid (H₂mal) / fumaric acid (H₂fum) and 4,4′‐dipyridyl disulfide (4‐pds) resulted under same conditions in two distinct interpenetrated compounds, namely [Zn(4‐dps)₂(H₂O)₂]·2Hmal ( 1 ) and [Zn(4‐dps)(fum)] ( 2 ). In 1 , Hmal anion adopts bridging mode based on hydrogen bonding, affording a 2‐fold parallel interpenetrated 3D→3D α‐Po net hydrogen‐bonded framework, in which 1D double‐stranded chains are formed, and then extended to a 3D supramolecular architecture combining second‐sphere hydrogen‐bonded interactions. For 2 , fum dianion takes on bis‐dentate bridging coordination fashion, furnishing a 2‐fold interpenetrated 2D→2D (4,4) layered coordination network, in which the tetrahedral Zn^II atoms are interlinked by 4‐dps and fum. Additionally, the compound 2 shows strong fluorescence in the solid state at room temperature.     

Collective Breathing in an Eightfold Interpenetrated Metal–Organic Framework: From Mechanistic Understanding towards Threshold Sensing Architectures

Functional materials that respond to chemical or physical stimuli through reversible structural transformations are highly desirable for the integration into devices. Now, a new stable and flexible eightfold interpenetrated three‐dimensional (3D) metal–organic framework (MOF) is reported, [Zn(oba)(pip)]_n (JUK‐8) based on 4,4′‐oxybis(benzenedicarboxylate) (oba) and 4‐pyridyl functionalized benzene‐1,3‐dicarbohydrazide (pip) linkers, featuring distinct switchability in response to guest molecules (H₂O and CO₂) or temperature. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SC‐XRD), combined with density functional theory (DFT) and grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations, reveal a unique breathing mechanism involving collective motions of eight mixed‐linker diamondoid subnetworks with only minor displacements between them. The pronounced stepwise volume change of JUK‐8 during water adsorption is used to construct an electron conducting composite film for resistive humidity sensing.     

Activation‐Dependent Breathing in a Flexible Metal–Organic Framework and the Effects of Repeated Sorption/Desorption Cycling

A non‐interpenetrated metal–organic framework with a paddle‐wheel secondary building unit has been activated by direct thermal evacuation, guest exchange with a volatile solvent, and supercritical CO₂ drying. Conventional thermal activation yields a mixture of crystalline phases and some amorphous content. Exchange with a volatile solvent prior to vacuum activation produces a pure breathing phase with high sorption capacity, selectivity for CO₂ over N₂ and CH₄, and substantial hysteresis. Supercritical drying can be used to access a guest‐free open phase. Pressure‐resolved differential scanning calorimetry was used to confirm and investigate a systematic loss of sorption capacity by the breathing phase as a function of successive cycles of sorption and desorption. A corresponding loss of sample integrity was not detectable by powder X‐ray diffraction analysis. This may be an important factor to consider in cases where flexible MOFs are earmarked for industrial applications.     

Two novel interpenetrated zinc(II) and cadmium(II) coordination polymers based on 4-imidazole-benzoate: Syntheses,crystal structures and properties

Two novel interpenetrated coordination polymers, [Zn(IBA)₂] _n (1) and {[Cd(IBA)₂(H₂O)]·4H₂O} _n (2), have been synthesized by using 4-imidazole-benzoic acid (HIBA) as ligand under hydrothermal conditions. Complex 1 crystallizes in a chiral space group and has a two-fold interpenetrated 2D network structure with (4,4) topology, while complex 2 is a 3D porous dia network with four nets interpenetrating each other. The SHG activity of 1 and the photoluminescent property of 2 have been investigated. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 20731004 & 20721002) and the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2007CB925103)     

[Cd(SDC)(H2O)]: a 3-D hybrid open framework with an interpenetrated (4,4) topology and double-strand helicates (SDC=4,4′-stilbenedicarboxylate)

A 3-D, two-fold interpenetrated coordination polymer [Cd(SDC)(H₂O)] has been synthesized using trans-4,4′-stilbenedicarboxylic acid (H₂SDC) and Cd(NO₃)₂?·?6H₂O under hydrothermal conditions, and characterized. Single crystal X-ray structural analysis indicates that the title compound crystallizes in a monoclinic lattice, P2/c with a?=?15.158(2), b?=?6.4390(15), c?=?7.1330(19) Å, β?=?91.937(2)°, Z?=?1, V?=?695.8(3) ų, D _c?=?1.888 Mg m^?3, F(000)?=?390, R ₁?=?0.0476, wR ₂?=?0.0935. The title compound has an interpenetrated (4,4) topology in which Cd(II) has greatly distorted hexahedral geometry. There are two distinct double-strand helicates, and interpenetrated rhombic nanochannels in the 3-D open framework. Compound 1 exhibits expected strong luminescence at λ _max?=?460 nm upon excitation at 392 nm.