Selective CO2 adsorption by a triazacyclononane-bridged microporous metal-organic framework

Metal-organic frameworks constructed by self-assembly of metal ions and organic linkers have recently been of great interest in the preparation of porous hybrid materials with a wide variety of functions. Despite much research in this area and the large choice of building blocks used to fine-tune pore size and structure, it remains a challenge to synthesise frameworks composed of polyamines to tailor the porosity and adsorption properties for CO(2). Herein, we describe a rigid and microporous three-dimensional metal-organic framework with the formula [Zn(2)(L)(H(2)O)]Cl (L=1,4,7-tris(4-carboxybenzyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) synthesised in a one-pot solvothermal reaction between zinc ions and a flexible cyclic polyaminocarboxylate. We have demonstrated, for the first time, that a porous rigid framework can be obtained by starting from a flexible amine building block. Sorption measurements revealed that the material exhibited a high surface area (135 m(2) g(-1)) and was the best compromise between capacity and selectivity for CO(2) over CO, CH(4), N(2) and O(2); as such it is a promising new selective adsorbent for CO(2) capture.     

Selective CO2 adsorption in a flexible non-interpenetrated metal-organic framework

We have prepared a flexible metal-organic framework and demonstrated that when activated by supercritical CO(2) it has greater gas sorption capacities than that activated by the heat-evacuation method, and it selectively adsorbs CO(2) over N(2) at room temperature.     

Ultrathin two-dimensional triptycence-based metal-organic framework for highly selective CO2 electroreduction to CO

Efficient CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) is one of the important topics in energy and environment field, but improving the electrochemical selectivity of specific product is a great challenge. Herein, we reported a unprecedented two-dimensional (2D) metal?organic framework with CuO₄ unit (denoted as Cu-HHTT, HHTT = 9,10-dihydro-9,10-[1,2]benzenoanthracene-2,3,6,7,14,15-hexaol) as the electrocatalyst for CO₂RR. Cu-HHTT exhibits high performance for CO₂RR to produce CO, namely Faradaic efficiency of 96.6% toward CO with a current density of 18 mA/cm² at the potential of ?0.6 V vs. RHE. Density function theory reveals that the desorption of CO species exhibits a lower energy barrier than that of hydrogenation of *CO intermediate, resulting in CO as the main product instead of alcohols or hydrocarbons.     

Post-modification of metal-organic framework for improved CO2 photoreduction efficiency

Utilizing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to design photocatalysts for CO₂ reduction catalysts is an excellent idea but currently restricted by the relatively low activity. Enhancing CO₂ affinity and tuning the oxidation state of metal clusters in MOFs might be a solution to improve the catalytic performance. Herein, the Cl-bridge atoms in the metal clusters of a cobalt MOF were easily exchanged with OH^?, which simultaneously oxidized a portion of Co(II) to Co(III) and resulted in a much enhanced photocatalytic activity for CO₂ reduction. In contrast, the original framework does not exhibit such superior activity. Comprehensive characterizations on their physicochemical properties revealed that the introduction of hydroxyl group not only greatly increases the CO₂ affinity but also alters the oxidation state of metal clusters, resulting in significantly improved photocatalytic activities for CO₂ reduction. This work provides important insight into the design of efficient photocatalysts.     

Understanding the preferential adsorption of CO2 over N2 in a flexible metal-organic framework

The unusual uptake behavior and preferential adsorption of CO(2) over N(2) are investigated in a flexible metal-organic framework system, Zn(2)(bdc)(2)(bpee), where bpdc = 4,4'-biphenyl dicarboxylate and bpee = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene, using Raman and IR spectroscopy. The results indicate that the interaction of CO(2) with the framework induces a twisting of one of its ligands, which is possible because of the type of connectivity of the carboxylate end group of the ligand to the metal center and the specific interaction of CO(2) with the framework. The flexibility of the bpee pillars allows the structure to respond to the twisting, fostering the adsorption of more CO(2). DFT calculations support the qualitative picture derived from the experimental analysis. The adsorption sites at higher loading have been identified using a modified van der Waals-Density Functional Theory method, showing that the more energetically favorable positions for the CO(2) molecules are closer to the C═C bond of the bpee and the C-C bond of the bpdc ligands instead of the benzene and pyridine rings of these ligands. These findings are consistent with changes observed using Raman spectroscopy, which is useful for detecting both specific guest-host interactions and structural changes in the framework.     

CO2 selectivity of a 1D microporous adenine-based metal-organic framework synthesised in water

The coordination of adenine to Ni(2+) forms a dimer unit which can be linked by 3,5-pyrazoledicarboxylic acid into chains which assemble under hydrothermal conditions via hydrogen bonding into a robust porous network. The material displays selectivity for CO(2) over CH(4) and an isosteric heat which increases with guest loading.     

Ultrathin two-dimensional metal-organic framework nanosheets for efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction

Electrochemical CO2 reduction into CO or high-value products is regarded as a feasible pathway for energy conversion, which has attracted universal attention in...     

Enhanced CO2 binding affinity of a high-uptake rht-type metal-organic framework decorated with acylamide groups

An rht-type metal-organic framework (MOF) prepared from M(2)(carboxylate)(4) (M = Cu, Co) paddlewheel clusters and a flexible C(3)-symmetric hexacarboxylate ligand with acylamide groups exhibits larger CO(2) uptake, an enhanced heat of adsorption, and higher selectivity toward CO(2)/N(2) in comparison with what was previously observed for an analogous MOF with alkyne groups.     

Reversible alteration of CO2 adsorption upon photochemical or thermal treatment in a metal-organic framework

A metal-organic framework (MOF) for reversible alteration of guest molecule adsorption, here carbon dioxide, upon photochemical or thermal treatment has been discovered. An azobenzene functional group, which can switch its conformation upon light irradiation or heat treatment, has been introduced to the organic linker of a MOF. The resulting MOF adsorbs different amount of CO(2) after UV or heat treatment. This remarkable stimuli-responsive adsorption effect has been demonstrated through experiments.     

同晶取代法制备Cu-Ni双金属催化剂及其催化CO加氢合成乙醇性能

采用定向同晶取代法制备了一系列镍孔雀石前驱体的Cu-Ni双金属催化剂。考察了前驱体结构以及催化剂表面组成对催化剂催化性能的影响,并采用浆态床反应器对催化剂的CO加氢制乙醇性能进行评价。实验结果表明,采用定向同晶取代法可以制备出（Cu,Ni）₂CO₃（OH）₂纯物相,取代后的Ni²⁺主要富集在前驱体（Cu,Ni）₂CO₃（OH）₂表面。焙烧后形成的（Cu_x,Ni_1-x）O固溶体均匀地分散在CuO晶体结构中。还原后的催化剂中Cu、Ni相互均匀分散形成活性界面,促进了低碳醇的合成。其中,不连续分布的Ni活性位点阻止了碳链的进一步增长,从而提高了乙醇选择性。当Ni/Cu原料比为45：100时,（Cu_x,Ni_1-x）O固溶体与CuO之间有较强的相互作用,表现出最好的反应活性和乙醇选择性。     

Enhanced stability and CO2 affinity of a UiO-66 type metal-organic framework decorated with dimethyl groups

A new dimethyl-functionalized UiO-66 framework exhibits higher physicochemical stability, larger CO(2) uptake, and an enhanced heat of adsorption in comparison with what was previously observed for analogous UiO-66 type MOFs.     

Adsorption separation of CO2 and N2 on MIL-101 metal-organic framework and activated carbon

In this work, the CO₂ and N₂ adsorption properties of MIL-101 metal-organic framework (MOF) and activated carbon (AC) were investigated using a standard gravimetric method within the pressure range of 0–30 bar and at four different temperatures (298, 308, 318 and 328 K). The dual-site Langmuir–Freundlich (DSLF) model was used to describe the CO₂ adsorption behaviors on these two adsorbents. The diffusion coefficients and activation energy E _a for diffusion of CO₂ in the MIL-101 and AC samples were estimated separately. Results showed that the isosteric heat of CO₂ adsorption on the MIL-101 at zero loading was much higher than that on the AC due to a much stronger interaction between CO₂ molecule and the unsaturated metal sites Cr³⁺ on MIL-101. Meanwhile, the dramatically decreased isosteric heats of CO₂ adsorption on MIL-101 indicated a more heterogeneous surface of MIL-101. Furthermore, the adsorption kinetic behaviors of CO₂ on the two samples can be well described by the micropore diffusion model. With the increase of temperature, the diffusion coefficients of CO₂ in the two samples both increased. The activation energy E _a for diffusion of CO₂ in MIL-101 was slightly lower than that in AC, suggesting that MIL-101 was much favorable for the CO₂ adsorption. The CO₂/N₂ selectivities on MIL-101 and AC were separately estimated to be 13.7 and 9.2 using Henry law constant, which were much higher than those on other MOFs.     

Separation of CO2 from CH4 using mixed-ligand metal-organic frameworks

The adsorption of CO2 and CH4 in a mixed-ligand metal-organic framework (MOF) Zn 2(NDC) 2(DPNI) [NDC = 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate, DPNI = N, N'-di-(4-pyridyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalene tetracarboxydiimide] was investigated using volumetric adsorption measurements and grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations. The MOF was synthesized by two routes: first at 80 degrees C for two days with conventional heating, and second at 120 degrees C for 1 h using microwave heating. The two as-synthesized samples exhibit very similar powder X-ray diffraction patterns, but the evacuated samples show differences in nitrogen uptake. From the single-component CO2 and CH4 isotherms, mixture adsorption was predicted using the ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST). The microwave sample shows a selectivity of approximately 30 for CO2 over CH4, which is among the highest selectivities reported for this separation. The applicability of IAST to this system was demonstrated by performing GCMC simulations for both single-component and mixture adsorption.     

The effects of local environment towards yield and selectivity on photocatalytic CO2 reduction catalyzed by metal-organic framework

The CO₂ photoconversion is sensitive to the local reaction environment, of which activity and selectivity can be regulated by the change of reaction systems. This paper focuses on investigating the photocatalytic CO₂ reduction behaviors of MOFs with the involvement of water under different reaction modes, including gas-solid and liquid-solid systems. The CO₂ photoreduction in a liquid-solid system shows high performance in generating HCOOH with the selectivity of 100%. In contrast, the gas-solid system referring to the synergistic interaction of MOFs and H₂O vapor benefits to the formation of gas-phase products, such as CO and CH₄. The possible mechanisms of photocatalytic CO₂ reaction in two modes were investigated by in-situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, which indicates that the distinction in reaction consequence may result from the difference in CO₂ chemisorbed modes and the proton provision. The choice of reaction system plays an important role in the achievement of high efficiency and selectivity for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction, which is of great practical value in real-world applications.     

Designing polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework for oxidation of styrene and cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxides

A photoactive polyoxometalate-based metal−organic framework (POMOF), NiW-DPNDI, was synthesized by combination of Ni(II) ions, [ZnW₁₂O₄₀]^6‒ anions, and N,N'-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)naphthalene diimide (DPNDI) molecules into one single framework. NiW-DPNDI displays a three-dimensional structure by the strong anion⋅⋅⋅π interactions between the trapped [ZnW₁₂O₄₀]^6‒ anions and the electron-deficient naphthalenic ring centroids and the π−π stacking interactions between DPNDI moieties. NiW-DPNDI displayed a highly efficient hole-electron separation and ordered electron transfer under irradiation, thus ensuing its excellent photocatalysis in oxidation of styrene to produce benzaldehyde. In addition, it gave a high efficiency for styrene oxide under thermocatalytic conditions. Because the carbonic anhydrase (CA)-mimicking Ni sites and the negative electron-enriched [ZnW₁₂O₄₀]^6‒ anions are well aligned in the pores, it can promote the cycloaddition of CO₂ with epoxides under mild conditions.     

A new layered metal-organic framework as a promising heterogeneous catalyst for olefin epoxidation reactions

A new layered MOF material [Co(Hoba)(2)·2H(2)O] (1) (H(2)oba = 4,4'-oxybis(benzoic acid)) has been synthesized and used as a highly recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for olefin epoxidation reactions. Both high conversion (96%) and high selectivity of epoxide products (96%) are achieved.     

Three-dimensional metal-organic framework with highly polar pore surface: H2 and CO2 storage characteristics

A three-dimensional (3D) pillared-layer metal-organic framework, [Cd(bipy)(0.5)(Himdc)](DMF)](n) (1), (bipy =4,4'-bipyridine and Himdc = 4,5-imidazoledicarboxylate) has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The highly rigid and stable framework contains a 3D channel structure with highly polar pore surfaces decorated with pendant oxygen atoms of the Himdc linkers. The desolvated framework [Cd(bipy)(0.5)(Himdc)](n) (1') is found to exhibit permanent porosity with high H(2) and CO(2) storage capacities. Two H(2) molecules occluded per unit formula of 1' and the corresponding heat of H(2) adsorption (ΔH(H2)) is about ～9.0 kJ/mol. The high value of ΔH(H2) stems from the preferential electrostatic interaction of H(2) with the pendent oxygen atoms of Himdc and aromatic bipy linkers as determined from first-principles density functional theory (DFT) based calculations. Similarly, DFT studies indicate CO(2) to preferentially interact electrostatically (C(δ+)···O(δ-)) with the uncoordinated pendent oxygen of Himdc. It also interacts with bipy through C-H···O bonding, thus rationalizing the high heat (ΔH(CO2) ～ 35.4 kJ/mol) of CO(2) uptake. Our work unveiled that better H(2) or CO(2) storage materials can be developed through the immobilization of reactive hetero atoms (O, N) at the pore surfaces in a metal-organic framework.     

A designed metal-organic framework based on a metal-organic polyhedron

A C(3) symmetric ligand with three 1,3-benzenedicarboxylate units has been used to construct a metal-organic framework with a (3,24)-connected network topology, where the nanometre-sized metal-organic cuboctahedra (MOCs) have been incorporated solely into a cubic close packing (CCP) arrangement, which led to superoctahedral and supertetrahedral cavities.