A “Thermodynamically Stable” 2D Nickel Metal–Organic Framework over a Wide pH Range with Scalable Preparation for Efficient C2s over C1 Hydrocarbon Separations

The design and construction of “thermodynamically stable” metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) that can survive in liquid water, boiling water, and acidic/basic solutions over a wide pH range is highly desirable for many practical applications, especially adsorption-based gas separations with obvious scalable preparations. Herein, a new thermodynamically stable Ni MOF, {[Ni(L)(1,4-NDC)(H₂O)₂]}_n (IITKGP-20; L=4,4′-azobispyridine; 1,4-NDC=1,4-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid; IITKGP stands for the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur), has been designed that displays moderate porosity with a BET surface area of 218 m² g⁻¹ and micropores along the [10−1] direction. As an alternative to a cost-intensive, cryogenic, high-pressure distillation process for the separation of hydrocarbons, MOFs have recently shown promise for such separations. Thus, towards an application standpoint, this MOF exhibits a higher uptake of C₂ hydrocarbons over that of C₁ hydrocarbon under ambient conditions, with one of the highest selectivities based on the ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) method. A combination of two strategies (the presence of stronger metal–N coordination of the spacer and the hydrophobicity of the aromatic moiety of the organic ligand) possibly makes the framework highly robust, even stable in boiling water and over a wide range of pH 2–10, and represents the first example of a thermodynamically stable MOF displaying a 2D structural network. Moreover, this material is easily scalable by heating the reaction mixture at reflux overnight. Because such separations are performed in the presence of water vapor and acidic gases, there is a great need to explore thermodynamically stable MOFs that retain not only structural integrity, but also the porosity of the frameworks.     

Combination of Optimization and Metalated‐Ligand Exchange: An Effective Approach to Functionalize UiO‐66(Zr) MOFs for CO2 Separation

The strategy to functionalize water‐stable metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in order to improve their CO₂ uptake capacities for efficient CO₂ separation remains limited and challenging. We herein present an effective approach to functionalize a prominent water‐stable MOF, UiO‐66(Zr), by a combination of optimization and metalated‐ligand exchange. In particular, by systematic optimization, we have successfully obtained UiO‐66(Zr) of the highest BET surface area reported so far (1730 m² g^?1). Moreover, it shows a hybrid Type I/IV N₂ isotherm at 77 K and a mesopore size of 3.9 nm for the first time. The UiO‐66 MOF underwent a metalated‐ligand‐exchange (MLE) process to yield a series of new UiO‐66‐type MOFs, among which UiO‐66‐(COONa)₂‐EX and UiO‐66‐(COOLi)₄‐EX MOFs have both enhanced CO₂ working capacity and IAST CO₂/N₂ selectivity. Our approach has thus suggested an alternative design to achieve water‐stable MOFs with high crystallinity and gas uptake for efficient CO₂ separation.     

Influence of Pore Structure and Metal-Node Geometry on the Polymerization of Ethylene over Cr-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have received increasing interest as solid single-site catalysts, owing to their tunable pore architecture and metal node geometry. The ability to exploit these modulators makes them prominent candidates for producing polyethylene (PE) materials with narrow dispersity index (Ð) values. Here a study is presented in which the ethylene polymerization properties, with Et₂AlCl as activator, of three renowned Cr-based MOFs, MIL-101(Cr)-NDC (NDC=2,6-dicarboxynapthalene), MIL-53(Cr) and HKUST-1(Cr), are systematically investigated. Ethylene polymerization reactions revealed varying catalytic activities, with MIL-101(Cr)-NDC and MIL-53(Cr) being significantly more active than HKUST-1(Cr). Analysis of the PE products revealed large Ð values, demonstrating that polymerization occurs over a multitude of active Cr centers rather than a singular type of Cr site. Spectroscopic experiments, in the form of powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD), UV/Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and CO probe molecule Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy corroborated these findings, indicating that indeed for each MOF unique active sites are generated, however without alteration of the original oxidation state. Furthermore, the pXRD experiments indicated that one major prerequisite for catalytic activity was the degree of MOF activation by the Et₂AlCl co-catalyst, with the more active materials portraying a larger degree of activation.     

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.     

Microporous assembly and shape control of a new Zn metal–organic framework: Morphology‐dependent catalytic performance

A new metal–organic framework (MOF), [Zn(ATA)(bpd)]_∝ ( 1Zn ) (ATA: 2‐aminoterephthalic acid; bpd: 1,4‐bis(4‐pyridyl)‐2,3‐diaza‐1,3‐butadiene), exhibiting a three‐dimensional extended porous structure was successfully assembled in a MeOH–H₂O solvent system. Under various controlled conditions, 1Zn was obtained in a variety of morphologies such as microspheres, microblocks, microsheets, microplates and microrods. The catalytic performance of the 1Zn microsized MOF was evaluated, and a possible catalytic mechanism was proposed. The flexibility of this MOF assembly strategy for shape control will certainly enhance new potential applications of micro?/nano?MOFs.     

Hierarchical Pore Development by Plasma Etching of Zr‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks

The typically stable Zr‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) UiO‐66 and UiO‐66‐NH₂ were treated with tetrafluoromethane (CF₄) and hexafluoroethane (C₂F₆) plasmas. Through interactions between fluoride radicals from the perfluoroalkane plasma and the zirconium–oxygen bonds of the MOF, the resulting materials showed the development of mesoporosity, creating a hierarchical pore structure. It is anticipated that this strategy can be used as a post‐synthetic technique for developing hierarchical networks in a variety of MOFs.     

Hydrolytic Transformation of Microporous Metal–Organic Frameworks to Hierarchical Micro‐ and Mesoporous MOFs

A new approach to the synthesis of hierarchical micro‐ and mesoporous MOFs from microporous MOFs involves a simple hydrolytic post‐synthetic procedure. As a proof of concept, a new microporous MOF, POST‐66(Y), was synthesized and its transformation into a hierarchical micro‐ and mesoporous MOF by water treatment was studied. This method produced mesopores in the range of 3 to 20 nm in the MOF while maintaining the original microporous structure, at least in part. The degree of micro‐ and mesoporosity can be controlled by adjusting the time and temperature of hydrolysis. The resulting hierarchical porous MOF, POST‐66(Y)‐wt, can be utilized to encapsulate nanometer‐sized guests such as proteins, and the enhanced stability and recyclability of an encapsulated enzyme is demonstrated.     

Rational Design of MOF/COF Hybrid Materials for Photocatalytic H2 Evolution in the Presence of Sacrificial Electron Donors

Crystalline and porous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) materials have attracted enormous attention in the field of photocatalytic H₂ evolution due to their long‐range order structures, large surface areas, outstanding visible light absorbance, and tunable band gaps. In this work, we successfully integrated two‐dimensional (2D) COF with stable MOF. By covalently anchoring NH₂‐UiO‐66 onto the surface of TpPa‐1‐COF, a new type of MOF/COF hybrid materials with high surface area, porous framework, and high crystallinity was synthesized. The resulting hierarchical porous hybrid materials show efficient photocatalytic H₂ evolution under visible light irradiation. Especially, NH₂‐UiO‐66/TpPa‐1‐COF (4:6) exhibits the maximum photocatalytic H₂ evolution rate of 23.41 mmol g^?1 h^?1 (with the TOF of 402.36 h^?1), which is approximately 20 times higher than that of the parent TpPa‐1‐COF and the best performance photocatalyst for H₂ evolution among various MOF‐ and COF‐based photocatalysts.     

基于半刚性四面体四齿配体构筑的Zn(Ⅱ)/Cd(Ⅱ)配位聚合物及其性质

在水热的条件下, 利用四(4-吡啶氧甲基)甲烷(L₁)或四(3-吡啶氧甲基)甲烷(L₂)、1, 4-萘二甲酸(1, 4-NDC)和d¹⁰金属离子发生自组装反应合成了2个化合物{[Cd₂(L₁)(1, 4-NDC)₂]·2H₂O}_n (1)和{[Zn₂(L₂)(1, 4-NDC)₂]·DMF·3H₂O)}_n (2)。单晶结构表明化合物1是通过L1配体与一维链[Cd(1, 4-NDC)]_n相连构建而成的三维骨架化合物, 而化合物2是一对螺旋链与另外的一维链相互垂直交联而形成二维网络结构。更为重要的是, 通过引入2种不同空间位阻的配体, 研究了辅助配体对金属有机配位聚合物结构多样性的影响。另外, 它们的荧光性质也做了相应的探讨。     

In-situ synthesis of stable perovskite quantum dots in core-shell nanofibers via microfluidic electrospinning

Perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) possess remarkable optical properties, such as tunable photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra, narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM) and high PL quantum yield (QY), endowing the PQDs great application prospects. However, the inherent structural instability of PQDs has seriously hindered the application of PQDs in various photoelectric devices. In this work, a microfluidic electrospinning method was used to fabricate color-tunable fluorescent formamidinium lead halogen (FAPbX₃, X = Cl, Br, I) PQDs/polymer core-shell nanofiber films. The core-shell spinning nanofiber not only supplies the interspace for the in-situ formation of PQDs, but also significantly reduces the permeability of moisture and oxygen in the air, which greatly improves the stability of PQDs. After adjusting the composition of precursors, the blue-emissive polystyrene (core) and polymethyl methacrylate (shell) coated FAPbCl₃ QDs (abbreviated as PS/FAPbCl₃/PMMA, hereinafter), green-emissive PS/FAPbBr₃/PMMA and red-emissive PS/FAPbI₃/PMMA nanofiber films were fabricated with the highest PL QY of 82.3%. Moreover, the PS/FAPbBr₃/PMMA nanofiber film exhibits great PL stability under blue light irradiation, long-term storage in the air and water resistance test. Finally, the green- and red-emissive nanofiber films were directly applied as light conversion films to fabricate wide-color-gamut display with the color gamut of 125%, indicating their tremendous potentials in optoelectronic applications.     

Thermal expansion-quench of nickel metal-organic framework into nanosheets for efficient visible light CO2 reduction

Metal-organic framework nanosheets (MOF NNs) offer potential opportunities for many applications,but an efficient strategy for the scalable preparation of few-layered two-dimensional (2D) MOF NNs are still a major challenge.Herein,we present an efficient top-down method for the synthesis of the Ni-BDC(Ni₂(OH)₂(1,4-BDC);1,4-BDC=1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) nanosheets utilizing a novel thermal expansionquench method of the flowerlike bulky MOFs in liquid N₂.The obtain...     

基于半刚性四面体四齿配体构筑的Zn(Ⅱ)/Cd(Ⅱ)配位聚合物及其性质

在水热的条件下,利用四(4-吡啶氧甲基)甲烷(L₁)或四(3-吡啶氧甲基)甲烷(L₂)、1,4-萘二甲酸(1,4-NDC)和d¹⁰金属离子发生自组装反应合成了2个化合物{[Cd₂(L₁)(1,4-NDC)₂]·2H₂O}_n(1)和{[Zn₂(L₂)(1,4-NDC)₂]·DMF·3H₂O)}_n(2)。单晶结构表明化合物1是通过L₁配体与一维链[Cd(1,4-NDC)]_n相连构建而成的三维骨架化合物,而化合物2是一对螺旋链与另外的一维链相互垂直交联而形成二维网络结构。更为重要的是,通过引入2种不同空间位阻的配体,研究了辅助配体对金属有机配位聚合物结构多样性的影响。另外,它们的荧光性质也做了相应的探讨。     

Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) Hybrid as a Tandem Catalyst for Enhanced Therapy against Hypoxic Tumor Cells

Encapsulation of active biomolecules and/or nanoparticles in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) remains a great challenge in biomedical applications. In this work, through a stepwise in situ growth method, a black phosphorus quantum dot (BQ) and catalase were precisely encapsulated into the inner and outer layers of MOFs, respectively. The integrated MOF system as a tandem catalyst could convert H₂O₂ into O₂ in MOF‐stabilized catalase outer layer, and then O₂ was directly injected into MOF‐sensitized BQ inner, leading to high quantum yield of singlet oxygen. Upon internalization, the photodynamic therapy efficiency of the MOF system was 8.7‐fold greater than that without catalase, showing an enhanced therapeutic effect against hypoxic tumor cells. Furthermore, by coupling with photothermal therapy of BQs, photodynamic‐thermal synergistic therapy was realized both in vitro and in vivo.     

Self-Assembly of Perovskite CsPbBr3 Quantum Dots Driven by a Photo-Induced Alkynyl Homocoupling Reaction

Herein, we report the facile growth of three-dimensional CsPbBr₃ perovskite supercrystals (PSCs) self-assembled from individual CsPbBr₃ perovskite quantum dots (PQDs). By varying the carbon chain length of a surface-bound ligand molecule, 1-alkynyl acid, different morphologies of PSCs were obtained accompanied by an over 1000-fold photoluminescence improvement compared with that of PQDs. Systematic analyses have shown, for the first time, that under UV irradiation, CsBr, the byproduct formed during PQDs synthesis, could effectively catalyze the homocoupling reaction between two alkynyl groups, which further worked as a driving force to push forward the self-assembly of PQDs.     

Morphological and Structural Evolutions of Metal–Organic Framework Particles from Amorphous Spheres to Crystalline Hexagonal Rods

Compositions as well as morphologies and structures of particles are vital factors that define their properties and applications. However, the morphology and structure changes associated with the composition change of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are barely studied. Herein, we report the morphology and structure changes of MOF particles associated with the ratio of two organic linkers incorporated within MOF particles, when they are constructed from the reactions of In(NO₃)₃ in the presence of isophthalic acid (H₂IPA) and/or 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid (H₂BDC). Two tendencies—the tendency of BDC and In³⁺ to form porous crystalline hexagonal rods, and the tendency of IPA and In³⁺ to form non‐porous amorphous spherical particles—compete during the formation of MOF particles. Eventually, the incorporated ratio of BDC and IPA within the MOF particles, and thus their morphology and porosity, are controlled by altering the relative amounts of H₂BDC and H₂IPA used during the reactions.     

Direct Fabrication of Free‐Standing MOF Superstructures with Desired Shapes by Micro‐Confined Interfacial Synthesis

Recently, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with multifunctional pore chemistry have been intensively investigated for positioning the desired morphology at specific locations onto substrates for manufacturing devices. Herein, we develop a micro‐confined interfacial synthesis (MIS) approach for fabrication of a variety of free‐standing MOF superstructures with desired shapes. This approach for engineering MOFs provides three key features: 1) in situ synthesis of various free‐standing MOF superstructures with controlled compositions, shape, and thickness using a mold membrane; 2) adding magnetic functionality into MOF superstructures by loading with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles; 3) transferring the synthesized MOF superstructural array on to flat or curved surface of various substrates. The MIS route with versatile potential opens the door for a number of new perspectives in various applications.     

Hierarchical Mesoporous Metal–Organic Frameworks for Enhanced CO2 Capture

Hierarchical porous materials are promising for catalyst, separation and sorption applications. A ligand‐assisted etching process is developed for template‐free synthesis of hierarchical mesoporous MOFs as single crystals and well‐intergrown membranes at 40 °C. At 223 K, the hierarchical porous structures significantly improve the CO₂ capture capacity of HKUST‐1 by more than 44 % at pressures up to 20 kPa and 13 % at 100 kPa. Even at 323 K, the enhancement of CO₂ uptake is above 25 % at pressures up to 20 kPa and 7 % at 100 kPa. The mesoporous structures not only enhance the CO₂ uptake capacity but also improve the diffusion and mass transportation of CO₂. Similarly, well‐intergrown mesoporous HKUST‐1 membranes are synthesized, which hold the potential for film‐like porous devices. Mesoporous MOF‐5 crystals are also obtained by a similar ligand‐assisted etching process. This may provide a facile way to prepare hierarchical porous MOF single crystals and membranes for wide‐ranging applications.     

Self‐Assembly of Perovskite CsPbBr3 Quantum Dots Driven by a Photo‐Induced Alkynyl Homocoupling Reaction

Herein, we report the facile growth of three‐dimensional CsPbBr₃ perovskite supercrystals (PSCs) self‐assembled from individual CsPbBr₃ perovskite quantum dots (PQDs). By varying the carbon chain length of a surface‐bound ligand molecule, 1‐alkynyl acid, different morphologies of PSCs were obtained accompanied by an over 1000‐fold photoluminescence improvement compared with that of PQDs. Systematic analyses have shown, for the first time, that under UV irradiation, CsBr, the byproduct formed during PQDs synthesis, could effectively catalyze the homocoupling reaction between two alkynyl groups, which further worked as a driving force to push forward the self‐assembly of PQDs.     

Controlling the BET Surface Area of Porous Carbon by Using the Cd/C Ratio of a Cd–MOF Precursor and Enhancing the Capacitance by Activation with KOH

Herein, four new cadmium metal–organic frameworks (Cd–MOFs), [Cd(bib)(bdc)]_∞ ( 1 ), [Cd(bbib)(bdc)(H₂O)]_∞ ( 2 ), [Cd(bibp)(bdc)]_∞ ( 3 ), and [Cd₂(bbibp)₂(bdc)₂(H₂O)]_∞ ( 4 ), have been constructed from the reaction of Cd(NO₃)₂ ? 4 H₂O with 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate (H₂bdc) and structure‐related bis(imidazole) ligands (1,4‐bis(imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene (bib), 1,4‐bis(benzoimidazol‐1‐yl)benzene (bbib), 4,4′‐bis(imidazol‐1‐yl)biphenyl (bibp), and 4,4′‐bis(benzoimidazol‐1‐yl)biphenyl (bbibp)) under solvothermal conditions. Cd–MOF 1 shows a 2D (4,4) lattice with parallel interpenetration, whereas 2 displays an interesting 3D interpenetrating dia network, 3 exhibits an unusual 3D interpenetrating dmp network, and 4 presents a 3D self‐catenated pillar‐layered framework with a Schäfli symbol of [4³ ? 6³]₂ ? [4⁶ ? 6¹⁶ ? 8⁶]. The structural diversity indicates that the backbone of the bis(imidazole) ligand (including the terminal group and spacer) plays a crucial role in the assembly of mixed‐ligand frameworks. By using the pore‐forming effect of cadmium vapor, for the first time we have utilized these Cd–MOFs as precursors to further prepare porous carbon materials (PCs) in a calcination–thermolysis procedure. These PCs show different porous features that correspond to the topological structures of Cd–MOFs. Significantly, it was found that the specific surface area and capacitance of PCs are tuned by the Cd/C ratio of the MOF. Furthermore, the as‐synthesized PCs were processed with KOH to obtain activated porous carbon materials (APCs) with higher specific surface area and porosity, which greatly promoted the energy‐storage capacity. After full characterization, we found that APC‐bib displays the largest specific surface area (1290 m² g^?1) and total pore volume (1.37 cm³ g^?1) of this series of carbon materials. Consequently, APC‐bib demonstrates the highest specific capacitance of 164 F g^?1 at a current density of 0.5 A g^?1, and also excellent retention of capacitance (≈89.4 % after 5000 cycles at 1 A g^?1). Therefore, APC‐bib has great potential as the electrode material in a supercapacitor.     

A New Synthetic Route to Microporous Silica with Well‐Defined Pores by Replication of a Metal–Organic Framework

Microporous amorphous hydrophobic silica materials with well‐defined pores were synthesized by replication of the metal–organic framework (MOF) [Cu₃(1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylate)₂] (HKUST‐1). The silica replicas were obtained by using tetramethoxysilane or tetraethoxysilane as silica precursors and have a micro–meso binary pore system. The BET surface area, the micropore volume, and the mesopore volume of the silica replica, obtained by means of hydrothermal treatment at 423 K with tetraethoxysilane, are 620 m²g^?1, 0.18 mL g^?1, and 0.55 mL g^?1, respectively. Interestingly, the silica has micropores with a pore size of 0.55 nm that corresponds to the pore‐wall thickness of the template MOF. The silica replica is hydrophobic, as confirmed by adsorption analyses, although the replica has a certain amount of silanol groups. This hydrophobicity is due to the unique condensation environment of the silica precursors in the template MOF.