Synthesis and catalytic study of open metal site metal–organic frameworks of Cu3(BTC)2 microbelts in selective organic sulfide oxidation

The synthesis of open metal site metal–organic frameworks of Cu₃(BTC)₂ with microbelt morphology and a study of the catalytic oxidation of organic sulfides are reported. This CuBTC was found to be an efficient, selective and waste‐free green heterogeneous co‐catalyst for the green H₂O₂ catalytic oxidation of sulfides. The catalyst can be isolated from the reaction mixture and reused at least five times. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Tandem magnetization and post‐synthetic metal ion exchange of metal–organic framework: Synthesis,characterization and catalytic study

For the first time, metal‐exchange in a magnetic metal–organic framework (MOF) via tandem magnetization and post‐synthetic modification has been developed. The new magnetic mixed‐metal metal–organic framework nanocomposite, CoFe₂O₄/[Cu_0.63/Zn_0.37‐TMU‐17‐NH₂] (CoFe₂O₄/[Cu/Zn‐MOF]) has been synthesized by immersing the CoFe₂O₄/Zn‐TMU‐17‐NH₂ (CoFe₂O₄/Zn‐MOF) as a template in DMF solution of Cu (II) salts. CoFe₂O₄/[Cu/Zn‐MOF] showed to be a highly reactive and easily recoverable magnetic catalyst for the preparation of tetrazole derivatives via one‐pot three‐component reactions of different aldehydes with hydroxyl amine hydrochloride and sodium azide. Our results (Fourier transform‐infrared, inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, field emission‐scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy‐mapping and vibrating‐sample magnetometer) show successful partial metal‐exchange in which the framework integrity remained intact during the metal‐exchange process.     

Ethylene diamine post‐synthesis modification on open metal site Cr‐MOF to access efficient bifunctional catalyst for the Hantzsch condensation reaction

Ethylene diamine functionalized MIL‐101(Cr) was established to be an efficient organocatalyst for single‐pot synthesis of polyhydroquinolines via four‐component condensation reaction between aldehydes, dimedone, β‐ketoecters and ammonium acetate in aqueous medium. Ethylene diamine of the parent open metal site MIL‐101(Cr) has been carried out through a post‐synthetic modification (PSM) technique. Efficient transformation, mild condition, easy product isolation and the potential high recycbility of the organocatalyst are the key feature of this protocol.     

Amine‐Appended Hierarchical Ca‐A Zeolite for Enhancing CO2/CH4 Selectivity of Mixed‐Matrix Membranes

An amine‐appended hierarchical Ca‐A zeolite that can selectively capture CO₂ was synthesized and incorporated into inexpensive membrane polymers, in particular polyethylene oxide and Matrimid, to design mixed‐matrix membranes with high CO₂/CH₄ selectivities. Binary mixture permeation testing reveals that amine‐appended mesoporous Ca‐A is highly effective in improving CO₂/CH₄ selectivity of polymeric membranes. In particular, the CO₂/CH₄ selectivity of the polyethylene oxide membrane increases from 15 to 23 by incorporating 20 wt % amine‐appended Ca‐A zeolite. Furthermore, the formation of filler/polymer interfacial defects, which is typically found in glassy polymer‐zeolite pairs, is inhibited owing to the interaction between the amine groups on the external surface of zeolites and polymer chains. Our results suggest that the amine‐appended hierarchial Ca‐A, which was utilized in membrane fabrication for the first time, is a good filler material for fabricating a CO₂‐selective mixed‐matrix membrane with defect‐free morphology.     

Efficient and recyclable novel Ni‐based metal–organic framework nanostructure as catalyst for the cascade reaction of alcohol oxidation–Knoevenagel condensation

A novel Ni‐based metal–organic framework (Ni‐MOF) with a Schiff base ligand as an organic linker, Ni₃(bdda)₂(OAc)₂?6H₂O (H₂bdda = 4,4′‐[benzene‐1,4‐diylbis(methylylidenenitrilo)]dibenzoic acid), was synthesized and characterized using powder X‐ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller measurements, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The synthesized Ni‐MOF exhibited a high catalytic activity in benzyl alcohol oxidation using tert‐butyl hydroperoxide under solvent‐free conditions. Also, the efficiency of the catalyst was investigated in the cascade reaction of oxidation–Knoevanagel condensation under mild conditions. The Ni‐MOF catalyst could be recovered and reused four times without significant reduction in its catalytic activity.     

Hollow Metal–Organic‐Framework‐Mediated In Situ Architecture of Copper Dendrites for Enhanced CO2 Electroreduction

Electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ to a single product at high current densities and efficiencies remains a challenge. However, the conventional electrode preparation methods, such as drop‐casting, usually suffer from low intrinsic activity. Herein, we report a synthesis strategy for preparing heterogeneous electrocatalyst composed of 3D hierarchical Cu dendrites that derived from an in situ electrosynthesized hollow copper metal–organic framework (MOF), for which the preparation of the Cu‐MOF film took only 5 min. The synthesis strategy preferentially exposes active sites, which favor's the reduction of CO₂ to formate. The current density could be as high as 102.1 mA cm^?2 with a selectivity of 98.2 % in ionic‐liquid‐based electrolyte and a commonly used H‐type cell.     

Effects of titanium silicalite and TiO2 nanocomposites on supported Co‐based catalysts for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis

Titanium silicalite (TS) and TiO₂ nanocomposites were prepared by mixing TS and TiO₂ with different ratios in ethanol. They were impregnated with 15 wt% Co loading to afford Co‐based catalysts. Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) performance of these TS–TiO₂ nanocomposite‐supported Co‐based catalysts was studied in a fixed‐bed tubular reactor. The results reveal that the Co/TS–TiO₂ catalysts have better catalytic performance than Co/TS or Co/TiO₂ each with a single support, showing the synergistic effect of the binary TS–TiO₂ support. Among the TS–TiO₂ nanocomposite‐supported Co‐based catalysts, Co/TS–TiO₂‐1 presents the highest activity. These catalysts were characterized using N₂ adsorption–desorption measurements, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, H₂ temperature‐programmed reduction, H₂ temperature‐programmed desorption and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the position of the active component has a significant effect on the catalytic activity. In the TS–TiO₂ nanocomposites, cobalt oxides located at the new pores developed between TS and TiO₂ can exhibit better catalytic activity. Also, a positive relationship is observed between Co dispersion and FTS catalytic performance for all catalysts. The catalytic activity is improved on increasing the dispersion of Co.     

Effect of Nano‐support and Type of Active Metal on Reforming of CH4 with CO2

Two series of Co and Ni based catalysts supported over commercial (ZrO₂, CeO₂, and Al₂O₃) nano supports were investigated for dry reforming of methane. The catalytic activity of both Co and Ni based catalysts were assessed at different reaction temperatures ranging from 500—800 °C; however, for stability the time on stream experiments were conducted at 700 °C for 6 h. Various techniques such as N₂ adsorption‐desorption isotherm, temperature‐programmed reduction (H₂‐TPR), temperature‐programmed desorption (CO₂‐TPD), temperature‐programmed oxidation (TPO), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were applied for characterization of fresh and spent catalysts. The catalytic activity and stability tests clearly showed that the performance of catalyst is strongly dependent on type of active metal and support. Furthermore, active metal particle size and Lewis basicity are key factors which have significant influence on catalytic performance. The results indicated that Ni supported over nano ZrO₂ exhibited highest activity among all tested catalysts due to its unique properties including thermal stability and reducibility. The minimum carbon deposition and thus relatively stable performance was observed in case of Co‐Al catalyst, since this catalyst has shown highest Lewis basicity.     

Accelerating Membrane‐based CO2 Separation by Soluble Nanoporous Polymer Networks Produced by Mechanochemical Oxidative Coupling

Achieving homogeneous dispersion of nanoporous fillers within membrane architectures remains a great challenge for mixed‐matrix membrane (MMMs) technology. Imparting solution processability of nanoporous materials would help advance the development of MMMs for membrane‐based gas separations. A mechanochemically assisted oxidative coupling polymerization strategy was used to create a new family of soluble nanoporous polymer networks. The solid‐state ball‐milling method affords inherent molecular weight control over polymer growth and therefore provides unexpected solubility for the resulting nanoporous frameworks. MMM‐based CO₂/CH₄ separation performance was significantly accelerated by these new soluble fillers. We anticipate this facile method will facilitate new possibilities for the rational design and synthesis of soluble nanoporous polymer networks and promote their applications in membrane‐based gas separations.     

Trapping N2 and CO2 on the Sub‐Nano Scale in the Confined Internal Spaces of Open‐Cage C60 Derivatives: Isolation and Structural Characterization of the Host–Guest Complexes

An open‐cage C₆₀ tetraketone with a large opening was able to encapsulate N₂ and CO₂ molecules after its exposure to high pressures of N₂ and CO₂ gas. A subsequent selective reduction of one of the four carbonyl groups on the rim of the opening induced a contraction of the opening (→ 2 ) and trapped the guest molecules inside 2 . The thus‐obtained host–guest complexes N₂@ 2 and CO₂@ 2 could be isolated by recycling HPLC, and were found to be stable at room temperature. The molecular structures of N₂@ 2 and CO₂@ 2 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses, and revealed a short N?N triple bond for the encapsulated N₂, as well as an unsymmetric molecular structure for the encapsulated molecule of CO₂. The IR spectrum of CO₂@ 2 suggested that the rotation of the encapsulated molecule of CO₂ is partially restricted, which was supported by DFT calculations.     

Monolithic metal–organic framework MIL‐53(Al)‐polymethacrylate composite column for the reversed‐phase capillary liquid chromatography separation of small aromatics

A monolithic capillary column containing a composite of metal–organic framework MIL‐53(Al) incorporated into hexyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene dimethacrylate was prepared to enhance the separation of mixtures of small aromatic compounds by using capillary liquid chromatography. The addition of 10 mg/mL MIL‐53(Al) microparticles increased the micropore content in the monolithic matrix and increased the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area from 26.92 to 85.12 m²/g. The presence of 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate moieties within the structure of MIL‐53(Al) as an organic linker greatly influenced the separation of aromatic mixtures through π–π interactions. High‐resolution separation was obtained for a series of alkylbenzenes (with resolution factors in the range 0.96–1.75) in less than 8 min, with 14 710 plates/m efficiency for propylbenzene, using a binary polar mobile phase of water/acetonitrile in isocratic mode. A reversed‐phase separation mechanism was indicated by the increased retention factor and resolution as the water percentage in the mobile phase increased. A stability study on the composite column showed excellent mechanical stability under various conditions. The higher resolution and faster separation observed at increased temperature indicated an exothermic separation, whereas the negative values for the free energy change of transfer indicated a spontaneous process.     

A novel nano‐size lanthanum metal–organic framework based on 5‐amino‐isophthalic acid and phenylenediamine: Photoluminescence study and sensing applications

In this paper, a novel lanthanum metal–organic framework La‐MOF was prepared via hydrothermal and reflux methods. The La‐MOF was achieved through the reaction of a 5‐amino‐isophthalic acid with 1, 2‐phenylenediamine and lanthanum chloride. The prepared La‐MOF structure was confirmed by XRD, mass spectrometry, IR, UV–Vis and elemental analysis, whereas the size, and morphology was examined by FE‐SEM/EDX and HR‐TEM. The results indicated that the La‐MOF prepared via both methods have the same structure and composition. Meanwhile, the MOF yield, reaction time, morphology, physiochemical and sensing properties were highly depended on the used preparation method. The photoluminescence (PL) study was carried out for the La‐MOF, and the results showed that La‐MOF exhibits strong emission at 558 nm after excitation at 369 nm. Moreover, the PL data indicating that the La‐MOF has highly selective sensing properties for iron (III) competing with different metal ions. The Stern‐Völmer graph shows a linear calibration curve which achieved over a concentration range 1.0–500 μM of Fe³⁺ with a correlation coefficient, detection, and quantitation limits 0.998, 1.35 μM and 4.08 μM, respectively. According to the remarkable quenching of the PL intensity of La‐MOF using various concentrations of Fe³⁺, it was successfully used as a sensor for Fe³⁺detecting in different water resources (pure and waste) samples. The quenching mechanism was studied and it has a dynamic type and due to efficient energy transfer between the La‐MOF and Fe³⁺.     

A twofold interpenetrating three‐dimensional heterometallic metal–organic framework with pcu topology based on 2‐methylbiphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic acid

The 2‐methylbiphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylate (mbpdc²⁻) ligand has versatile coordination modes and can be used to construct multinuclear structures. Despite this, reports of the synthesis of coordination complexes involving this ligand are scarce. The title compound, poly[[triaquadi‐μ₃‐hydroxido‐hexakis(μ₄‐2‐methylbiphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylato)calcium(II)hexazinc(II)] monohydrate], {[CaZn₆(C₁₅H₁₀O₄)₆(OH)₂(H₂O)₃]·H₂O}_n , has been prepared by the hydrothermal assembly of Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, CaCl₂ and 2‐methylbiphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic acid. Two Zn^II atoms adopt a four‐coordinated distorted tetrahedral geometry by bonding to three O atoms from three different 2‐methylbiphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylate (mbpdc²⁻) dianionic ligands and one bridging hydroxide O atom. For the remaining Zn^II atom, a five‐coordinate environment is completed half the time by one carboxylate O atom, and then the same carboxylate O atom and an aqua O atom are present the other half of the time, giving a six‐coordinate environment. The Ca^II atom is coordinated by six O atoms to give an octahedral coordination geometry. The supramolecular secondary building unit (SBU) is a hamburger‐like heptanuclear unit (Zn₆CaO₃₀) and these units are interconnected through mbpdc²⁻ carboxylate groups to generate a three‐dimensional framework with the pcu topology. The single net leaves voids that are filled by mutual interpenetration of an independent equivalent framework in a twofold interpenetrating architecture. The title compound shows thermal stability up to 673 K. The excitation and luminescence data showed the emission of a bright‐blue fluorescence.     

Yolk–shell microspheres assembled from Preyssler‐type NaP5W30O11014− polyoxometalate and MIL‐101(Cr) metal–organic framework: A new inorganic–organic nanohybrid for fast and selective removal of cationic organic dyes from aqueous media

Novel inorganic–organic yolk–shell microspheres based on Preyssler‐type NaP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀^14? polyoxometalate and MIL‐101(Cr) metal–organic framework (P₅W₃₀/MIL‐101(Cr)) were synthesized by reaction of K_12.5Na_1.5[NaP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀], Cr(NO₃)₃·9H₂O and terephthalic acid under hydrothermal conditions at 200°C for 24 h. The as‐prepared yolk–shell microspheres were fully characterized using various techniques. All analyses confirmed the incorporation of the Preyssler‐type NaP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀^14? polyoxometalate into the three‐dimensional porous MIL‐101(Cr) metal–organic framework. The results revealed that P₅W₃₀/MIL‐101(Cr) demonstrated rapid adsorption of cationic methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) with ultrahigh efficiency and capacity, as well as achieving rapid and highly selective adsorption of MB from MB/MO (MO = methyl orange), MB/RhB and MB/RhB/MO mixtures. The P₅W₃₀/MIL‐101(Cr) adsorbent not only exhibited a high adsorption capacity of 212 mg g^?1, but also could quickly remove 100% of MB from a dye solution of 50 mg l^?1 within 8 min. The effects of some key parameters such as adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration and initial pH on dye adsorption were investigated in detail. The equilibrium adsorption data were better fitted by the Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption kinetics was well modelled using a pseudo‐second‐order model. Also, the inorganic–organic hybrid yolk–shell microspheres could be easily separated from the reaction system and reused up to four times without any change in structure or adsorption ability. The stability and robustness of the adsorbent were confirmed using various techniques.     

Insulator–metal transition driven by pressure and B‐site disorder in double perovskite La2CoMnO6

The ground state of double perovskite oxide La₂CoMnO₆ (LCMO) and how it is influenced by external pressure and antisite disorder are investigated systematically by first‐principles calculations. We find, on the consideration of both the electron correlation and spin–orbital coupling effect, that the LCMO takes on insulating nature, yet is transformed to half metallicity once the external pressure is introduced. Such tuning is accompanied by a spin‐state transition of Co²⁺ from the high‐spin state (te) to low‐spin state (te) because of the enhancement of crystal‐field splitting under pressure. Using mean‐field approximation theory, Curie temperature of LCMO with Co²⁺ being in low‐spin state is predicted to be higher than that in high‐spin state, which is attributed to the enhanced ferromagnetic double exchange interaction arising from the shrinkage of Co? O and Mn? O bonds as well as to the increase in bond angle of Co? O? Mn under pressure. We also find that antisite disorder in LCMO enables such transition from insulating to half‐metallic state as well, which is associated with the spin‐state transition of antisite Co from high to low state. It is proposed that the substitution of La³⁺ for the rare‐earth (RE) ions with smaller ionic radii could open up an avenue to induce a spin‐state transition of Co, rendering thereby the RE₂CoMnO₆ a promising half‐metallic material. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

A fourfold interpenetrating cadmium(II) metal–organic framework based on 2,4,6‐tris(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,5‐triazine with reversible photochromic properties

2,4,6‐Tris(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,5‐triazine (tpt), as an organic molecule with an electron‐deficient nature, has attracted considerable interest because of its photoinduced electron transfer from neutral organic molecules to form stable anionic radicals. This makes it an excellent candidate as an organic linker in the construction of photochromic complexes. Such a photochromic three‐dimensional (3D) metal–organic framework (MOF) has been prepared using this ligand. Crystallization of tpt with Cd(NO₃)₂·4H₂O in an N,N‐dimethylacetamide–methanol mixed‐solvent system under solvothermal conditions afforded the 3D MOF poly[[bis(nitrato‐κ²O,O′)cadmium(II)]‐μ₃‐2,4,6‐tris(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,5‐triazine‐κ³N²:N⁴:N⁶], [Cd(NO₃)₂(C₁₈H₁₂N₆)]_n, which was characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The X‐ray diffraction crystal structure analysis reveals that the asymmetric unit contains one independent Cd^II cation, one tpt ligand and two coordinated NO₃^? anions. The Cd^II cations are connected by tpt ligands to generate a 3D framework. The single framework leaves voids that are filled by mutual interpenetration of three independent equivalent frameworks in a fourfold interpenetrating architecture. The compound shows a good thermal stability and exhibits a reversible photochromic behaviour, which may originate from the photoinduced electron‐transfer generation of radicals in the tpt ligand.     

Evaluation of a novel metal–organic framework as an adsorbent for the extraction of multiclass pesticides from coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.): An analytical approach using matrix solid‐phase dispersion and liquid chromatography

We report the synthesis, characterization, and application of [Zn(1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)(H₂O)₂]_n , Zn(1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)_0.99(NH₂‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)_0.01(H₂O)₂]_n , [Zn(1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)_0.95(NH₂‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)_0.05(H₂O)₂]_n , and [Zn(1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)_0.9(NH₂‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)_0.1(H₂O)₂]_n as sorbents for the extraction of multiclass pesticides from coconut palm. Liquid chromatography with ultraviolet diode array detection was used as the analysis technique, and the experiments were performed at one fortification level (0.1 μg/g). The recoveries were 47–67, 51–70, 58–72, and 64–76% for [Zn(1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)(H₂O)₂]_n , Zn(1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)_0.99(NH₂‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)_0.01(H₂O)₂]_n , [Zn(1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)_0.95(NH₂‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)_0.05(H₂O)₂]_n , and [Zn(1,4‐benzenelate)_0.95(NH₂‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)_0.05(H₂O)₂]_n , and [Zn(1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)_0.9(NH₂‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)_0.1(H₂O)₂]_n , respectively, with relative standard deviation ranging from 1 to 7% (n = 3). Detection and quantification limits were 0.01–0.05 and 0.05–0.2 μg/g, respectively, for the different pesticides studied. The method developed was linear over the range tested (0.01–10.0 μg/g) with r ² > 0.9991. A direct comparison of [Zn(1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)_0.9(NH₂‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)_0.1(H₂O)₂]_n with the commercially available neutral alumina showed that [Zn(1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)_0.9(NH₂‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)_0.1(H₂O)₂]_n was a similar extracting phase for the pesticides investigated.     

A new one‐dimensional nickel metal–organic framework: catena‐poly[[[diaquabis(4‐{[(1‐phenyl‐1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)sulfanyl]methyl}benzoato‐κO)nickel(II)]‐μ‐4,4′‐bipyridine‐κ2N:N′] monohydrate]

The title complex, {[Ni(C₁₅H₁₁N₄O₂S)₂(C₁₀H₈N₂)(H₂O)₂]·H₂O}_n, was synthesized by the reaction of nickel chloride, 4‐{[(1‐phenyl‐1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)sulfanyl]methyl}benzoic acid (HL) and 4,4′‐bipyridine (bpy) under hydrothermal conditions. The asymmetric unit contains two half Ni^II ions, each located on an inversion centre, two L⁻ ligands, one bpy ligand, two coordinated water molecules and one unligated water molecule. Each Ni^II centre is six‐coordinated by two monodentate carboxylate O atoms from two different L⁻ ligands, two pyridine N atoms from two different bpy ligands and two terminal water molecules, displaying a nearly ideal octahedral geometry. The Ni^II ions are bridged by 4,4′‐bipyridine ligands to afford a linear array, with an Ni...Ni separation of 11.361 (1) Å, which is further decorated by two monodentate L⁻ ligands trans to each other, resulting in a one‐dimensional fishbone‐like chain structure. These one‐dimensional fishbone‐like chains are further linked by O—H...O, O—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions to form a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture. The thermal stability of the title complex was investigated via thermogravimetric analysis.     

Nano palladium supported on high‐surface‐area metal–organic framework MIL‐101: an efficient catalyst for Sonogashira coupling of aryl and heteroaryl bromides with alkynes

Palladium nanoparticle‐incorporated metal–organic framework MIL‐101 (Pd/MIL‐101) was successfully synthesized and characterized using X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, X‐ray photoelectron, UV–visible and infrared spectroscopies, and transmission electron microscopy. The characterization techniques confirmed high porosity and high surface area of MIL‐101 and high stability of nano‐size palladium particles. Pd/MIL‐101 nanocomposite was investigated for the Sonogashira cross‐coupling reaction of aryl and heteroaryl bromides with various alkynes under copper‐free conditions. The reusability of the catalyst was tested for up to four cycles without any significant loss in catalytic activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.