Hierarchically Porous Carbons Derived from Metal–Organic Framework/Chitosan Composites for High‐Performance Supercapacitors

Hierarchically porous carbon materials with high surface areas are promising candidates for energy storage and conversion. Herein, the facile synthesis of hierarchically porous carbons through the calcination of metal–organic framework (MOF)/chitosan composites is reported. The effects of the chitosan (CS) additive on the pore structure of the resultant carbons are discussed. The corresponding MOF/chitosan precursors could be readily converted into hierarchically porous carbons (NPC‐V, V=1, 2, 4, and 6) with much higher ratios of meso‐/macropore volume to micropore volume (V_meso‐macro/V_micro). The derived carbon NPC‐2 with the high ratio of V_meso‐macro/V_micro=1.47 demonstrates a high specific surface area of 2375 m² g^?1, and a high pore volume of 2.49 cm³ g^?1, as well as a high graphitization degree, in comparison to its counterpart (NPC) without chitosan addition. These excellent features are favorable for rapid ion diffusion/transport, endowing NPC‐2 with enhanced electrochemical behavior as supercapacitor electrodes in a symmetric electrode system, corresponding to a high specific capacitance of 199.9 F g^?1 in the aqueous electrolyte and good rate capability. Good cycling stability is also observed after 10 000 cycles.     

Fe/Co‐based Bimetallic MOF‐derived Co3Fe7@NCNTFs Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for High‐Efficiency Overall Water Splitting

Electrocatalytic water splitting to produce hydrogen and oxygen is regarded as one of the most promising methods to generate clean and sustainable energy for replacing fossil fuels. However, the design and development of an efficient bifunctional catalyst for simultaneous generation of hydrogen and oxygen remains extremely challenging yet is critical for the practical implementation of water electrolysis. Here, we report a facile method to fabricate novel N‐doped carbon nanotube frameworks (NCNTFs) by the pyrolysis of a bimetallic metal organic framework (MIL‐88‐Fe/Co). The resultant electrocatalyst, Co₃Fe₇@NCNTFs, exhibits excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity, achieving 10 mA/cm² at a low overpotential of just 264 mV in 1 M KOH solution, and 197 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction. The high electrocatalytic activity arises from the synergistic effect between the chemistry of the Co₃Fe₇ and the NCNTs coupled to the novel framework structure. The remarkable electrocatalytic performance of our bifunctional electrocatalyst provides a promising pathway to high‐performance overall water splitting and electrochemical energy devices.     

Sinter‐Resistant Platinum Catalyst Supported by Metal–Organic Framework

Single atoms and few‐atom clusters of platinum are uniformly installed on the zirconia nodes of a metal‐organic framework (MOF) NU‐1000 via targeted vapor‐phase synthesis. The catalytic Pt clusters, site‐isolated by organic linkers, are shown to exhibit high catalytic activity for ethylene hydrogenation while exhibiting resistance to sintering up to 200 °C. In situ IR spectroscopy reveals the presence of both single atoms and few‐atom clusters that depend upon synthesis conditions. Operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and X‐ray pair distribution analyses reveal unique changes in chemical bonding environment and cluster size stability while on stream. Density functional theory calculations elucidate a favorable reaction pathway for ethylene hydrogenation with the novel catalyst. These results provide evidence that atomic layer deposition (ALD) in MOFs is a versatile approach to the rational synthesis of size‐selected clusters, including noble metals, on a high surface area support.     

Electrochemical Exfoliation of Pillared‐Layer Metal–Organic Framework to Boost the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials and ultrathin nanosheets are advantageous for elevating the catalysis performance and elucidating the catalysis mechanism of heterogeneous catalysts, but they are mostly restricted to inorganic or organic materials based on covalent bonds. We report an electrochemical/chemical exfoliation strategy for synthesizing metal–organic 2D materials based on coordination bonds. A catechol functionalized ligand is used as the redox active pillar to construct a pillared‐layer framework. When the 3D pillared‐layer MOF serves as an electrocatalyst for water oxidation (pH 13), the pillar ligands can be oxidized in situ and removed. The remaining ultrathin (2 nm) nanosheets of the metal–organic layers are an efficient catalyst with overpotentials as low as 211 mV at 10 mA cm^?2 and a turnover frequency as high as 30 s^?1 at an overpotential of 300 mV.     

Embedding Functional Biomacromolecules within Peptide‐Directed Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) Nanoarchitectures Enables Activity Enhancement

Rationally tailoring a robust artificial coating can enhance the life‐time of fragile biomacromolecules. However, the coating also can restrain the activity of the guest because of the decreased substrate accessibility. Herein, we report a peptide‐directed strategy that enables in situ tailoring of the MOF‐shrouded biohybrids into controllable nanoarchitectures. The MOF biohybrid can be shaped from different 3D microporous architectures into a 2D mesoporous layer by a peptide modulator. Using this mild strategy, we show that the nanoarchitectures of the MOF coatings significantly affect the biological functions of the contained biomacromolecules. The biomacromolecules entrapped within the novel 2D mesoporous spindle‐shaped MOFs (2D MSMOFs) have significantly increased bioactivity compared to when encased within the hitherto explored 3D microporous MOFs. The improvement results from the shortened diffusion path and enlarged pore channel in 2D MSMOFs. Meanwhile, the thin 2D MSMOF layer also can provide excellent protection of the hosted biomacromolecules or protein‐scaffolded biominerals through structural confinement.     

Post‐Synthetic Ligand Exchange in Zirconium‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks: Beware of The Defects!

Post‐synthetic ligand exchange in the prototypical zirconium‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) UiO‐66 was investigated by in situ solution ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Samples of UiO‐66 having different degrees of defectivity were exchanged using solutions of several terephthalic acid analogues in a range of conditions. Linker exchange only occurred in defect‐free UiO‐66, whereas monocarboxylates grafted at defect sites were found to be preferentially exchanged with respect to terephthalic acid over the whole range of conditions investigated. A 1:1 exchange ratio between the terephthalic acid analogue and modulator was observed, providing evidence that the defects had missing‐cluster nature. Ex situ characterisation of the MOF powders after exchange corroborated these findings and showed that the physical‐chemical properties of the MOF depend on whether the functionalisation occurs at defective sites or on the framework.     

Composite Material that Comprised Metal–Organic Nanotubes and a Sponge as a High‐Performance Adsorbent for the Extraction of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products from Environmental Water Samples

A composite material that comprised metal–organic nanotubes (MONTs) and a sponge, Cu?MONTs?sponge, was synthesized by using a rapid and convenient surfactant‐assisted dip‐coating method and used as a high‐performance adsorbent for the solid‐phase extraction of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCP) from environmental water samples. By adjusting the surfactant concentration, a composite material that contained metal–organic nanotubes and a macroporous 3D porous sponge was constructed. This modified sponge achieved outstanding reproducibility as an adsorbent, with the adsorption of trace or ultratrace amounts of contaminants. Moreover, this composite material was conveniently recycled and its extraction efficiency only decreased by 6.3–12.1 % after 30 adsorption/desorption cycles. The resulting composite exhibited excellent adsorption capacity for PPCPs, which was attributed to its unique porous structure, natural hydrophobicity, and electrostatic interactions between the metal–organic nanotubes and analyte molecules. This Cu?MONTs?sponge material is an ideal adsorbent for the extraction of trace amounts of PPCPs from environmental water samples.     

Zirconium–Porphyrin‐Based Metal–Organic Framework Hollow Nanotubes for Immobilization of Noble‐Metal Single Atoms

Single atoms immobilized on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with unique nanostructures have drawn tremendous attention in the application of catalysis but remain a great challenge. Various single noble‐metal atoms have now been successfully anchored on the well‐defined anchoring sites of the zirconium porphyrin MOF hollow nanotubes, which are probed by aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron‐radiation‐based X‐ray absorption fine‐structure spectroscopy. Owing to the hollow structure and excellent photoelectrochemical performance, the HNTM‐Ir/Pt exhibits outstanding catalytic activity in the visible‐light photocatalytic H₂ evolution via water splitting. The single atom immobilized on MOFs with hollow structures are expected to pave the way to expand the potential applications of MOFs.     

Photoconductivity in Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) Thin Films

Photoconductivity is a characteristic property of semi‐conductors. Herein, we present a photo‐conducting crystalline metal–organic framework (MOF) thin film with an on–off photocurrent ratio of two orders of magnitude. These oriented, surface‐mounted MOF thin films (SURMOFs), contain porphyrin in the framework backbone and C₆₀ guests, loaded in the pores using a layer‐by‐layer process. By comparison with results obtained for reference MOF structures and based on DFT calculations, we conclude that donor–acceptor interactions between the porphyrin of the host MOF and the C₆₀ guests give rise to a rapid charge separation. Subsequently, holes and electrons are transported through separate channels formed by porphyrin and by C₆₀, respectively. The ability to tune the properties and energy levels of the porphyrin and fullerene, along with the controlled organization of donor–acceptor pairs in this regular framework offers potential to increase the photoconduction on–off ratio.     

Bimetallic Metal‐Organic Framework‐Derived Nanosheet‐Assembled Nanoflower Electrocatalysts for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Non‐noble metal‐based metal–organic framework (MOF)‐derived electrocatalysts have recently attracted great interest in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here we report a facile synthesis of nickel‐based bimetallic electrocatalysts derived from 2D nanosheet‐assembled nanoflower‐like MOFs. The optimized morphologies and large Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area endow FeNi@CNF with efficient OER performance, where the aligned nanosheets can expose abundant active sites and benefit electron transfer. The complex nanoflower morphologies together with the synergistic effects between two metals attributed to the OER activity of the Ni‐based bimetallic catalysts. The optimized FeNi@CNF afforded an overpotential of 356 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm^?2 with a Tafel slope of 62.6 mV dec^?1, and also exhibited superior durability with only slightly degradation after 24 hours of continuous operation. The results may inspire the use of complex nanosheet‐assembled nanostructures to explore highly active catalysts for various applications.     

Highly Selective Water Adsorption in a Lanthanum Metal–Organic Framework

We present a new metal–organic framework (MOF) built from lanthanum and pyrazine‐2,5‐dicarboxylate (pyzdc) ions. This MOF, [La(pyzdc)_1.5(H₂O)₂] ? 2 H₂O, is microporous, with 1D channels that easily accommodate water molecules. Its framework is highly robust to dehydration/hydration cycles. Unusually for a MOF, it also features a high hydrothermal stability. This makes it an ideal candidate for air drying as well as for separating water/alcohol mixtures. The ability of the activated MOF to adsorb water selectively was evaluated by means of thermogravimetric analysis, powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and adsorption studies, indicating a maximum uptake of 1.2 mmol g^?1 MOF. These results are in agreement with the microporous structure, which permits only water molecules to enter the channels (alcohols, including methanol, are simply too large). Transient breakthrough simulations using water/methanol mixtures confirm that such mixtures can be separated cleanly using this new MOF.     

Synthesis of Nanoporous Carbon–Cobalt‐Oxide Hybrid Electrocatalysts by Thermal Conversion of Metal–Organic Frameworks

Nanoporous carbon–cobalt‐oxide hybrid materials are prepared by a simple, two‐step, thermal conversion of a cobalt‐based metal–organic framework (zeolitic imidazolate framework‐9, ZIF‐9). ZIF‐9 is carbonized in an inert atmosphere to form nanoporous carbon–metallic‐cobalt materials, followed by the subsequent thermal oxidation in air, yielding nanoporous carbon–cobalt‐oxide hybrids. The resulting hybrid materials are evaluated as electrocatalysts for the oxygen‐reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen‐evolution reaction (OER) in a KOH electrolyte solution. The hybrid materials exhibit similar catalytic activity in the ORR to the benchmark, commercial, Pt/carbon black catalyst, and show better catalytic activity for the OER than the Pt‐based catalyst.     

Metal–Organic Frameworks Based Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

In view of the clean and sustainable energy, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) based materials, including pristine MOFs, MOF composites, and their derivatives are emerging as unique electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Thanks to their tunable compositions and diverse structures, efficient MOF‐based materials provide new opportunities to accelerate the sluggish ORR at the cathode in fuel cells and metal–air batteries. This Minireview first provides some introduction of ORR and MOFs, followed by the classification of MOF‐based electrocatalysts towards ORR. Recent breakthroughs in engineering MOF‐based ORR electrocatalysts are highlighted with an emphasis on synthesis strategy, component, morphology, structure, electrocatalytic performance, and reaction mechanism. Finally, some current challenges and future perspectives for MOF‐based ORR electrocatalysts are also discussed.     

An Exceptionally Stable and Water‐Resistant Metal–Organic Framework with Hydrophobic Nanospaces for Extracting Aromatic Pollutants from Water

A novel hydrophobic metal–organic framework (MOF), namely Cu₂L (L=3,3′,5,5′‐tetraethyl‐4,4′‐bipyrazolate), is synthesized through a stepwise method, and exhibits an unprecedented 3,4‐c net. The exceptionally thermal, chemical, and air stability of this MOF, especially in water and under acidic or basic conditions, and its selective and fast sorption capacity for hydrocarbons over water warrant its direct use for efficient removal of trace organic wastes (e.g. benzene, toluene, xylene, and mixtures thereof) from contaminated water.     

pH‐Dependent Proton Conducting Behavior in a Metal–Organic Framework Material

A porous metal–organic framework (MOF), [Ni₂(dobdc)(H₂O)₂]?6 H₂O (Ni₂(dobdc) or Ni‐MOF‐74; dobdc^4?=2,5‐dioxido‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate) with hexagonal channels was synthesized using a microwave‐assisted solvothermal reaction. Soaking Ni₂(dobdc) in sulfuric acid solutions at different pH values afforded new proton‐conducting frameworks, H⁺@Ni₂(dobdc). At pH 1.8, the acidified MOF shows proton conductivity of 2.2×10^?2 S cm^?1 at 80 °C and 95 % relative humidity (RH), approaching the highest values reported for MOFs. Proton conduction occurs via the Grotthuss mechanism with a significantly low activation energy as compared to other proton‐conducting MOFs. Protonated water clusters within the pores of H⁺@Ni₂(dobdc) play an important role in the conduction process.     

A Spiderweb‐Like Metal–Organic Framework Multifunctional Foam

Processing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) into hierarchical macroscopic materials can greatly extend their practical applications. However, current strategies suffer from severe aggregation of MOFs and limited tuning of the hierarchical porous network. Now, a strategy is presented that can simultaneously tune the MOF loading, composition, spatial distribution, and confinement within various bio‐originated macroscopic supports, as well as control the accessibility, robustness, and formability of the support itself. This method enables the good dispersion of individual MOF nanoparticles on a spiderweb‐like network within each macrovoid even at high loadings (up to 86 wt %), ensuring the foam pores are highly accessible for excellent adsorption and catalytic capacity. Additionally, this approach allows the direct pre‐incorporation of other functional components into the framework. This strategy provides precise control over the properties of both the hierarchical support and MOF.     

Metal–Organic Framework for Emulsifying Carbon Dioxide and Water

Forming emulsions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water can largely expand the utility of CO₂. Herein we propose for the first time the utilization of a metal–organic framework (MOF) for emulsifying CO₂ and water. Owing to the hybrid composition, MOF particles can easily assemble at the CO₂/water interface to create a rigid protective barrier around the dispersed droplet. The MOF‐stabilized CO₂ and water emulsion has exceptional stability compared to those emulsions stabilized by surfactants or other solids. Moreover, the CO₂ and water emulsion stabilized by MOF is “tunable” due to the designable features of MOFs and adjustable character of CO₂. Such a novel kind of emulsion composed of CO₂, water, and MOF provides a facile route for constructing MOF superstructures with many advantages. The macroporous networks and hollow capsules of different kinds of MOFs have been successfully derived from CO₂ and water emulsions.     

Metal–Organic Framework (MOF)‐Derived Nanoporous Carbon Materials

Metal–organic framework (MOF)‐derived nanoporous carbon materials have attracted significant interest due to their advantages of controllable porosity, good thermal/chemical stability, high electrical conductivity, catalytic activity, easy modification with other elements and materials, etc. Thus, MOF‐derived carbons have been used in numerous applications, such as environmental remediations, energy storage systems (i.e. batteries, supercapacitors), and catalysts. To date, many strategies have been developed to enhance the properties and performance of MOF‐derived carbons. Herein, we introduce and summarize recent important approaches for advanced MOF‐derived carbon structures with a focus on precursor control, heteroatom doping, shape/orientation control, and hybridization with other functional materials.