One‐Step Synthesis of Hybrid Core–Shell Metal–Organic Frameworks

Epitaxial growth of MOF‐on‐MOF composite is an evolving research topic in the quest for multifunctional materials. In previously reported methods, the core–shell MOFs were synthesized via a stepwise strategy that involved growing the shell‐MOFs on top of the preformed core‐MOFs with matched lattice parameters. However, the inconvenient stepwise synthesis and the strict lattice‐matching requirement have limited the preparation of core–shell MOFs. Herein, we demonstrate that hybrid core–shell MOFs with mismatching lattices can be synthesized under the guidance of nucleation kinetic analysis. A series of MOF composites with mesoporous core and microporous shell were constructed and characterized by optical microscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, gas sorption measurement, and scanning electron microscopy. Isoreticular expansion of microporous shells and orthogonal modification of the core was realized to produce multifunctional MOF composites, which acted as size selective catalysts for olefin epoxidation with high activity and selectivity.     

Terbium–organic framework as heterogeneous Lewis acid catalyst for β‐aminoalcohol synthesis: Efficient,reusable and green catalytic method

A terbium–organic framework (Tb‐MOF) was prepared using a previously reported procedure. Tb‐MOF was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction and surface area analysis. Tb‐MOF was employed as a heterogeneous Lewis acid catalyst for the synthesis of β‐aminoalcohols. Also, the effect of ultrasonic irradiation was examined in the catalytic aminolysis of styrene oxide. The reaction conditions were optimized by variation of reaction time, catalyst concentration and solvent. A variety of β‐aminoalcohols were synthesized and characterized. The Tb‐MOF catalyst showed excellent selectivity and high yield for these transformations.     

Potential Utilization of Metal–Organic Frameworks in Heterogeneous Catalysis: A Case Study of Hydrogen‐Bond Donating and Single‐Site Catalysis

Crystalline solid materials are platforms for the development of effective catalysts and have shown vast benefits at the frontiers between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. Typically, these crystalline solid catalysts outperformed their homogeneous analogs due to their high stability, selectivity, better catalytic activity, reusability and recyclability in catalysis applications. This point of view, comprising significant features of a new class of porous crystalline materials termed as metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) engendered the attractive pathway to synthesize functionalized heterogeneous MOF catalysts. The present review includes the recent research progress in developing both hydrogen‐bond donating (HBD) MOF catalysts and MOF‐supported single‐site catalysts (MSSCs). The first part deals with the novel designs of urea‐, thiourea‐ and squaramide‐containing MOF catalysts and study of their crucial role in HBD catalysis. In the second part, we discuss the important classification of MSSCs with existing examples and their use in desired catalytic reactions. In addition, we describe the relative catalytic efficiency of these MSSCs with their homogeneous and similarly reported analogs. The precise knowledge of discussed heterogeneous MOF catalysts in this review may open the door for new research advances in the field of MOF catalysis.     

Template‐Induced Diverse Metal–Organic Materials as Catalysts for the Tandem Acylation–Nazarov Cyclization

In our continuing quest to develop a metal–organic framework (MOF)‐catalyzed tandem pyrrole acylation–Nazarov cyclization reaction with α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids for the synthesis of cyclopentenone[b]pyrroles, which are key intermediates in the synthesis of natural product (±)‐roseophilin, a series of template‐induced Zn‐based ( 1–3 ) metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been solvothermally synthesized and characterized. Structural conversions from non‐porous MOF 1 to porous MOF 2 , and back to non‐porous MOF 3 arising from the different concentrations of template guest have been observed. The anion–π interactions between the template guests and ligands could affect the configuration of ligands and further tailor the frameworks of 1–3 . Futhermore, MOFs 1–3 have shown to be effective heterogeneous catalysts for the tandem acylation–Nazarov cyclization reaction. In particular, the unique structural features of 2 , including accessible catalytic sites and suitable channel size and shape, endow 2 with all of the desired features for the MOF‐catalyzed tandem acylation–Nazarov cyclization reaction, including heterogeneous catalyst, high catalytic activity, robustness, and excellent selectivity. A plausible mechanism for the catalytic reaction has been proposed and the structure–reactivity relationship has been further clarified. Making use of 2 as a heterogeneous catalyst for the reaction could greatly increase the yield of total synthesis of (±)‐roseophilin.     

Thermoplastic Membranes Incorporating Semiconductive Metal–Organic Frameworks: An Advance on Flexible X‐ray Detectors

Semiconductive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged in applications such as chemical sensors, electrocatalysts, energy storage materials, and electronic devices. However, examples of semiconductive MOFs within flexible electronics have not been reported. We present flexible X‐ray detectors prepared by thermoplastic dispersal of a semiconductive MOF ( SCU‐13 ) through a commercially available polymer, poly(vinylidene fluoride). The flexible detectors exhibit efficient X‐ray‐to‐electric current conversion with enhanced charge‐carrier mobility and low trap density compared to pelleted devices. A high X‐ray detection sensitivity of 65.86 μCGy_air^?1 cm^?2 was achieved, which outperforms other pelleted devices and commercial flexible X‐ray detectors. We demonstrate that the MOF‐based flexible detectors can be operated at multiple bending angles without a deterioration in detection performance. As a proof‐of‐concept, an X‐ray phase contrast under bending conditions was constructed using a 5×5 pixelated MOF‐based imager.     

Promoted H2 Generation from NH3BH3 Thermal Dehydrogenation Catalyzed by Metal–Organic Framework Based Catalysts

The application of ammonium borane (AB) as a hydrogen storage material is limited by the sluggish kinetics of H₂ release. Two catalysts based on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been prepared either by applying MOF as precursors or by the in situ reduction method. In the release of H₂ from AB, the high H₂ content of the whole system, the remarkably lower reaction onset temperature, the significantly increased H₂ release rates at ≤90 °C, and the decreased reaction exothermicity have all been achieved with only 1.0 mol % MOF‐based catalyst. Moreover, the clear catalytic diversity of three catalysts has been observed and discussed. The in situ synthesized Ni⁰ sites and the MOF supports in the catalysts were proven to show significant and different effects to promote the catalytic activities. With MOF‐based catalysts, both the enhanced kinetics and the high H₂ capacity of the AB system present great advantages for future use.     

Fabrication of carboxymethylated cellulose fibers supporting Ag NPs@MOF‐199s nanocatalysts for catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol

In this work, we prepared high‐performance and recyclable nanocatalysts that consist of small and well‐dispersed silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) immobilized onto Cu‐ based metal–organic framework (MOF‐199 s) supported by carboxymethylated cellulose fibers (CCFs). The as‐prepared green nanohybrid catalysts, namely Ag NPs@ MOF‐199 s/CCFs, were characterized using SEM, TEM, XRD and FT‐IR techniques. The catalytic performances showed that Ag NPs@ MOF‐199 s/CCFs catalysts exhibited a very high catalytic efficiency towards the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol. The enhanced catalytic performances are attributed to the improved dispersity, small particles of Ag NPs stabilized by the MOF‐199 s, and the porous catalyst structures. The introduction of cellulose fiber further facilitates the reuse and sustainability of the nanohybrid catalysts, showing a stable and high reusability (more than 91% of catalytic activity) even after five runs.     

Ruthenium Complexation in an Aluminium Metal–Organic Framework and Its Application in Alcohol Oxidation Catalysis

A ruthenium trichloride complex has been loaded into an aluminium metal–organic framework (MOF), MOF‐253, by post‐synthetic modification to give MOF‐253‐Ru. MOF‐253 contains open bipyridine sites that are available to bind with the ruthenium complex. MOF‐253‐Ru was characterised by elemental analysis, N₂ sorption and X‐ray powder diffraction. This is the first time that a Ru complex has been coordinated to a MOF through post‐synthetic modification and used as a heterogeneous catalyst. MOF‐253‐Ru catalysed the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols, including allylic alcohols, with PhI(OAc)₂ as the oxidant under very mild reaction conditions (ambient temperature to 40 °C). High conversions (up to >99 %) were achieved in short reaction times (1–3 h) by using low catalyst loadings (0.5 mol % Ru). In addition, high selectivities (>90 %) for aldehydes were obtained at room temperature. MOF‐253‐Ru can be recycled up to six times with only a moderate decrease in substrate conversion.     

Aerobic epoxidation of olefins catalyzed by the cobalt-based metal-organic framework STA-12(Co)

A Co‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) was investigated as a catalytic material in the aerobic epoxidation of olefins in DMF and exhibited, based on catalyst mass, a remarkably high catalytic activity compared with the Co‐doped zeolite catalysts that are typically used in this reaction. The structure of STA‐12(Co) is similar to that of STA‐12(Ni), as shown by XRD Rietveld refinement and is stable up to 270 °C. For the epoxidation reaction, significantly different selectivities were obtained depending on the substrate. Although styrene was epoxidized with low selectivity due to oligomerization, (E)‐stilbene was converted with high selectivities between 80 and 90 %. Leaching of Co was low and the reaction was found to proceed mainly heterogeneously. The catalyst was reusable with only a small loss of activity. The catalytic epoxidation of stilbene with the MOF featured an induction period, which was, interestingly, considerably reduced by styrene/stilbene co‐epoxidation. This could be traced back to the formation of benzaldehyde promoting the reaction. Detailed parameter and catalytic studies, including in situ EPR and EXAFS spectroscopy, were performed to obtain an initial insight into the reaction mechanism.     

A Metal–Organic Framework Containing Unusual Eight‐Connected Zr–Oxo Secondary Building Units and Orthogonal Carboxylic Acids for Ultra‐sensitive Metal Detection

Two metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with Zr–oxo secondary building units (SBUs) were prepared by using p,p′‐terphenyldicarboxylate (TPDC) bridging ligands pre‐functionalized with orthogonal succinic acid (MOF‐ 1 ) and maleic acid groups (MOF‐ 2 ). Single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis of MOF‐ 1 provides the first direct evidence for eight‐connected SBUs in UiO‐type MOFs. In contrast, MOF‐ 2 contains twelve‐connected SBUs as seen in the traditional UiO MOF topology. These structural assignments were confirmed by extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis. The highly porous MOF‐ 1 is an excellent fluorescence sensor for metal ions with the detection limit of <0.5 ppb for Mn²⁺and three to four orders of magnitude greater sensitivity for metal ions than previously reported luminescent MOFs.     

Ultra‐Fast Degradation of Chemical Warfare Agents Using MOF–Nanofiber Kebabs

The threat associated with chemical warfare agents (CWAs) motivates the development of new materials to provide enhanced protection with a reduced burden. Metal–organic frame‐works (MOFs) have recently been shown as highly effective catalysts for detoxifying CWAs, but challenges still remain for integrating MOFs into functional filter media and/or protective garments. Herein, we report a series of MOF–nanofiber kebab structures for fast degradation of CWAs. We found TiO₂ coatings deposited via atomic layer deposition (ALD) onto polyamide‐6 nanofibers enable the formation of conformal Zr‐based MOF thin films including UiO‐66, UiO‐66‐NH₂, and UiO‐67. Cross‐sectional TEM images show that these MOF crystals nucleate and grow directly on and around the nanofibers, with strong attachment to the substrates. These MOF‐functionalized nanofibers exhibit excellent reactivity for detoxifying CWAs. The half‐lives of a CWA simulant compound and nerve agent soman (GD) are as short as 7.3 min and 2.3 min, respectively. These results therefore provide the earliest report of MOF–nanofiber textile composites capable of ultra‐fast degradation of CWAs.     

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.     

金属有机骨架衍生 Ni基材料催化烷烃选择氧化

N掺杂碳基纳米材料由于具有高稳定性、良好的导电性、较大的孔体积和比表面积等特点而受到了国内外广泛的关注,在气体吸附、催化、电化学以及燃料电池等许多领域表现出潜在应用价值. N掺杂碳材料的制备主要采用两种方法,即后合成法和原位合成法.后合成法是指采用含 N化合物(如尿素等)对已合成的碳材料进行处理,但所制材料中 N含量往往偏低,且 N活性位不够稳定.要得到 N含量较高且稳定的 N掺杂碳材料常常采用原位合成法,即以富氮前体作为模板,在热解过程中 N原位嵌入碳纳米材料中,因而具有结构稳定, N含量丰富等优点.
　　金属有机骨架(MOFs)材料是一种新型的类沸石类多孔材料,是由金属离子和有机配体通过配位键键合而成的拓扑结构.该类材料具有较高的孔隙率和比表面积以及结构可调控性等特点.通过调节金属中心和配体种类,引入含 N配体,可以得到不同类型的含 N的 MOFs.此外,含 N的 MOFs在一定温度下热解能有效减少 N元素的流失,因此, MOFs是一类优秀的用于制备 N掺杂碳基纳米材料的模板材料.近年来,以含 N的金属有机骨架材料为模板,通过简单热解一步合成 N掺杂碳基纳米催化剂,已成为国内外研究的热点之一.
　　本文在惰性气氛中采用直接热解 Ni基 MOF方法制备了 N掺杂 C包裹的 Ni纳米颗粒,并利用 X射线粉末衍射(PXRD)、N2吸附脱附、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)、原子吸收光谱(AAS)、X射线光电子能谱(XPS)等对该复合材料的组成和结构进行了表征.
　　 PXRD测试结果表明,经过热解,催化剂中出现了大量的金属 Ni粒子,说明 Ni-MOF中的 Ni2+离子在热解过程中被原位还原成了 Ni纳米颗粒. N2吸附脱附结果表明,热解前的 Ni-MOF结构中只存在微孔结构,但是热解 Ni@C-N材料中生成了大量的介孔或大孔结构,从而有利于反应底物与催化剂活性位点的接触. SEM结果表明,在较低的温度下热解,催化剂可以保持 MOFs原来的构型,且结构疏松多孔；而在较高的温度下热解,如800oC,将有大量的碳纳米管生成. TEM结果表明,随着热解温度升高,催化剂中 Ni纳米颗粒逐渐增大.从 HRTEM测试结果可以清晰看出,高温热解时有石墨烯结构生成,并且生成的 Ni纳米颗粒原位嵌入了石墨烯结构中,因而有利于 Ni纳米颗粒的分散,从而提高催化剂的活性. XPS结果进一步证明,热解过程中, Ni2+被原位还原成了零价的 Ni纳米粒子,此外, N 1s谱图也进一步证明 N在热解过程中原位嵌入了生成的石墨烯结构中.
　　随后,以乙基苯选择性氧化为模型反应,测试了 Ni@C-N材料的催化活性.结果表明,该材料在烷烃选择氧化反应中表现出很高的催化活性和选择性,尤其是 Ni@C-N-900-8h,在温和的反应条件下,可有效催化一系列饱和烷烃的选择氧化,获得很高的氧化产物收率,且重复利用多次后其活性和选择性没有明显的下降.     

Sustainable Catalysis: Rational Pd Loading on MIL‐101Cr‐NH2 for More Efficient and Recyclable Suzuki–Miyaura Reactions

Palladium nanoparticles have been immobilized into an amino‐functionalized metal–organic framework (MOF), MIL‐101Cr‐NH₂, to form Pd@MIL‐101Cr‐NH₂. Four materials with different loadings of palladium have been prepared (denoted as 4‐, 8‐, 12‐, and 16 wt %Pd@MIL‐101Cr‐NH₂). The effects of catalyst loading and the size and distribution of the Pd nanoparticles on the catalytic performance have been studied. The catalysts were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), N₂‐sorption isotherms, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). To better characterize the palladium nanoparticles and their distribution in MIL‐101Cr‐NH₂, electron tomography was employed to reconstruct the 3D volume of 8 wt %Pd@MIL‐101Cr‐NH₂ particles. The pair distribution functions (PDFs) of the samples were extracted from total scattering experiments using high‐energy X‐rays (60 keV). The catalytic activity of the four MOF materials with different loadings of palladium nanoparticles was studied in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction. The best catalytic performance was obtained with the MOF that contained 8 wt % palladium nanoparticles. The metallic palladium nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed, with an average size of 2.6 nm. Excellent yields were obtained for a wide scope of substrates under remarkably mild conditions (water, aerobic conditions, room temperature, catalyst loading as low as 0.15 mol %). The material can be recycled at least 10 times without alteration of its catalytic properties.     

Synthesis of chromene derivatives in the presence of mordenite zeolite/MIL‐101 (Cr) metal–organic framework composite as catalyst

In the present study, the synthesis of mordenite zeolite/MIL‐101(Cr) metal–organic framework (MOF) composite [MOR/MIL‐101(Cr)] using the ship in a bottle method was suggested. The properties of prepared composite and individual MOF and MOR zeolite were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurement, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The XRD results indicated diffraction peaks for each compound (MOR and MOF) in composite. The SEM and TEM images showed the formation of plates MOR (with size of 2.5 × 3 μm) along with spherical particles MIL‐101. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller results showed that the surface area of the composite was smaller than individual MOF and MOR zeolite. Based on TGA plots, the hybrid zeolite/MOF composite was more thermally stable compared with the isolated MIL‐101(Cr). The composite was functionalized by post‐synthetic modification to obtain acid–base bifunctionality (H‐MOR/MIL‐101‐ED) for the synthesis of chromene derivatives. The acidity from framework Al‐O(H)‐Si sites in MOR and basicity from amine groups in MIL‐101 were obtained by post‐synthetic modification.     

Thermodynamics of the oxygen evolution electrocatalysis in a functionalized UiO‐66 metal‐organic frameworks

A density functional theory (DFT) approach was used to predict the thermodynamic energy barriers of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for three functionalized Metal‐organic Frameworks (MOFs). A UiO‐66(Zr) MOF design was selected for this study that incorporates three linker designs, a 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate (BDC), BDC functionalized with an amino group (BDC + NH₂), and BDC functionalized with nitro group (BDC + NO₂). The study found several key differences between homogeneous planar catalyst thermodynamics and MOF‐based thermodynamics, the most significant being the non‐unique or heterogeneity of reaction sites. Additionally, the functionalization of the MOF was found to significantly influence the hydroperoxyl binding energy, which proves to be the largest hurdle for both oxide and MOF‐based catalyst. Both of these findings provide evidence that many of the limitations precluding planar homogeneous catalysts can be surpassed with a MOF‐based catalyst. The BDC + NH₂ proved to be the best performing catalyst with a predicted over‐potential for spontaneous OER evolution to be 3.03eV. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

On‐surface Synthesis of a Semiconducting 2D Metal–Organic Framework Cu3(C6O6) Exhibiting Dispersive Electronic Bands

A 2D metal–organic framework (2D‐MOF) was formed on a Cu(111) substrate using benzenehexol molecules. By means of a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density‐functional theory, the structure of the 2D‐MOF is determined to be Cu₃(C₆O₆), which is stabilized by O–Cu–O bonding motifs. We find that upon adsorption on Cu(111), the 2D‐MOF features a semiconductor band structure with a direct band gap of 1.5 eV. The O–Cu–O bonds offer efficient charge delocalization, which gives rise to a highly dispersive conduction band with an effective mass of 0.45 m_e at the band bottom, implying a high electron mobility in this material.     

Three‐Dimensional Hierarchical Constructs of MOF‐on‐Reduced Graphene Oxide for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

A three‐dimensional (3D) hierarchical MOF‐on‐reduced graphene oxide (MOF‐on‐rGO) compartment was successfully synthesized through an in situ reduced and combined process. The unique properties of the MOF‐on‐rGO compartment combining the polarity and porous features of MOFs with the high conductivity of rGO make it an ideal candidate as a sulfur host in lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) batteries. A high initial discharge capacity of 1250 mAh g^?1 at a current density of 0.1 C (1.0 C=1675 mAh g^?1) was reached using the MOF‐on‐rGO based electrode. At the rate of 1.0 C, a high specific capacity of 601 mAh g^?1 was still maintained after 400 discharge–charge cycles, which could be ascribed to the synergistic effect between MOFs and rGO. Both the hierarchical structures of rGO and the polar pore environment of MOF retard the diffusion and migration of soluble polysulfide, contributing to a stable cycling performance. Moreover, the spongy‐layered rGO can buffer the volume expansion and contraction changes, thus supplying stable structures for Li‐S batteries.     

Selective Catalytic Behavior of a Phosphine‐Tagged Metal‐Organic Framework Organocatalyst

Steric hindrance by a metal–organic framework (MOF) is shown to influence the outcome of a catalytic reaction by controlling the orientation of its intermediates. This is demonstrated using an organocatalyst, phosphine MOF LSK‐3, which is evaluated with the aid of molecular modeling and NMR spectroscopy techniques. This report is the first application of phosphine MOFs in organocatalysis and explores the potential of a framework steric hindrance to impose selectivity on a catalytic reaction. These findings expand the opportunities for control and design of the active site in the pocket of heterogeneous catalysts.     

Immobilization of phosphotungstic acid in an amino‐containing metal–organic framework for oxidative desulfurization

A composite material has been successfully synthesized using an amino‐containing metal–organic framework (NH₂‐MOF) and phosphotungstic acid (PTA). This composite was characterized using X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray fluorescence. Characterization results confirmed the immobilization and good distribution of PTA in the NH₂‐MOF. The PTA/NH₂‐MOF was subsequently applied in the oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) with H₂O₂ as the oxidant in n‐octane under atmospheric conditions. Under optimal reaction conditions, the oxidative desulfurization conversion of DBT reached 100%, and there was no significant decrease of the catalytic activity after four recycles. Kinetic experiments were also performed for the reaction at various temperatures, which indicated that oxidative reaction rates followed pseudo first‐order kinetics, and the apparent activation energy for the desulfurization reaction was 34.1 kJ mol^?1. The results indicated that this material exhibited excellent catalytic performance for oxidative desulfurization of DBT. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.