| Institution: | 1. Center for Nanospace-confined Chemical Reactions (NCCR), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673 South Korea
Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673 South Korea;2. Division of Advanced Materials Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673 South Korea;3. KENTECH Institute for Environmental and Climate Technology, Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH), Naju, 58330 South Korea;4. Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673 South Korea;5. Center for Nanospace-confined Chemical Reactions (NCCR), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673 South Korea |
| Abstract: | Herein, by choosing few-nm-thin two-dimensional (2D) nanocrystals of MOF-5 containing in-planner square lattices as a modular platform, a crystal lattice-guided wet-chemical etching has been rationally accomplished. As a result, two attractive pore patterns carrying Euclidean curvatures; precisely, plus(+)-shaped and fractal-patterned pores via ?100? and ?110? directional etching, respectively, are regulated in contrast to habitually formed spherical-shaped random etches on MOF surface. In agreement with the theoretical calculations, a diffusion-limited etching process has been optimized to devise high-yield of size-tunable fractal-pores on the MOF surface that tenders for a compatibly high payload of catalytic ReI-complexes using the existing large edge area once modified into a free amine-group-exposed inner pore surface. Finally, on benefiting from the long-range fractal opening in 2D MOF support structure, while loaded on an electrode surface, a facilitated cross-interface charge-transportation and well-exposure of immobilized ReI-catalysts are anticipated, thus realizing enhanced activity and stability of the supported catalyst in photoelectrochemical CO2-to-CO reduction. |
