Air‐Free Synthesis of a Ferrous Metal‐Organic Framework Featuring HKUST‐1 Structure and its Mössbauer Spectrum

Single crystals of the Fe^II metal‐organic framework (MOF) with 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylate (BTC) as a linker were solvothermally obtained under air‐free conditions. X‐ray diffraction analysis of the crystals demonstrated a structure for Fe^II‐MOF analogous to that of [Cu₃(BTC)₂] (HKUST‐1). Unlike HKUST‐1, however, the Fe^II‐MOF did not retain permanent porosity after exchange of guest molecules. The Mössbauer spectrum of the Fe^II‐MOF was recorded at 80 K in zero field yielding an apparent quadrupole splitting of ΔE_Q = 2.43 mm · s^–1, and an isomer shift of δ = 1.20 mm · s^–1, consistent with high‐spin central iron(II) atoms. Air exposure of the Fe^II‐MOF was found to result in oxidation of the metal atoms to afford Fe^III. These results demonstrate that Fe^II‐based MOFs can be prepared in similar fashion to the [Cu₃(BTC)₂], but that they lack permanent porosity when degassed.     

Surface‐Anchored MOF‐Based Photonic Antennae

The loading of a metal‐organic framework (MOF), [Cu₃(btc)₂xH₂O] HKUST‐1, with europium β‐diketonate complexes is studied with the goal to using the porous molecular framework as a photonic antenna. Whereas loading of HKUST‐1 powder particles produced via the conventional solvothermal synthesis method was strongly hindered, for HKUST‐1 SURMOFs, thin MOF films fabricated using the liquid phase epitaxy method, a high filling factor can be achieved. The optical properties of the HKUST‐1‐MOFs before and after loading were analysed with the aid of luminescence spectroscopy. Careful analysis of the absorption spectra reveals the presence of an effective energy transfer between the HKUST‐1 framework and the Eu³⁺ centers.     

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.     

Interplay of Electronic and Steric Effects to Yield Low‐Temperature CO Oxidation at Metal Single Sites in Defect‐Engineered HKUST‐1

In contrast to catalytically active metal single atoms deposited on oxide nanoparticles, the crystalline nature of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) allows for a thorough characterization of reaction mechanisms. Using defect‐free HKUST‐1 MOF thin films, we demonstrate that Cu⁺/Cu²⁺ dimer defects, created in a controlled fashion by reducing the pristine Cu²⁺/Cu²⁺ pairs of the intact framework, account for the high catalytic activity in low‐temperature CO oxidation. Combining advanced IR spectroscopy and density functional theory we propose a new reaction mechanism where the key intermediate is an uncharged O₂ species, weakly bound to Cu⁺/Cu²⁺. Our results reveal a complex interplay between electronic and steric effects at defect sites in MOFs and provide important guidelines for tailoring and exploiting the catalytic activity of single metal atom sites.     

A Novel Electrochemical Sensor Based on Copper‐based Metal‐Organic Framework for the Determination of Dopamine

A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a copper‐based metal‐organic framework (MOF) [HKUST‐1, HKUST‐1 = Cu₃(BTC)₂ (BTC = 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylicacid)] was developed as a highly sensitive and simple electrochemical sensor for the determination of dopamine (DA). The MOF was prepared by a hydrothermal process, and the morphology and crystal phase of the MOF were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Meanwhile, the electrochemical performance was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Under optimized conditions, the modified electrode showed excellent electrocatalytic activity and high selectivity toward DA. The linear response range was from 5.0 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁴ M and the detection limit was as low as 1.5 × 10⁻⁷ M. Moreover, the electrochemical sensor was used to detect DA in real samples with excellent results. MOF‐based sensors hold great promise for routine sensing applications in the field of electrochemical sensing.     

Time‐Resolved In Situ X‐ray Diffraction Reveals Metal‐Dependent Metal–Organic Framework Formation

Versatility in metal substitution is one of the key aspects of metal‐organic framework (MOF) chemistry, allowing properties to be tuned in a rational way. As a result, it important to understand why MOF syntheses involving different metals arrive at or fail to produce the same topological outcome. Frequently, conditions are tuned by trial‐and‐error to make MOFs with different metal species. We ask: is it possible to adjust synthetic conditions in a systematic way in order to design routes to desired phases? We have used in situ X‐ray powder diffraction to study the solvothermal formation of isostructural M₂(bdc)₂dabco (M=Zn, Co, Ni) pillared‐paddlewheel MOFs in real time. The metal ion strongly influences both kinetics and intermediates observed, leading in some cases to multiphase reaction profiles of unprecedented complexity. The standard models used for MOF crystallization break down in these cases; we show that a simple kinetic model describes the data and provides important chemical insights on phase selection.     

Versatile Tailoring of Paddle‐Wheel ZnII Metal–Organic Frameworks through Single‐Crystal‐to‐Single‐Crystal Transformations

A new tetracarboxylate ligand having short and long arms formed 2D layer Zn^II coordination polymer 1 with paddle‐wheel secondary building units under solvothermal conditions. The framework undergoes solvent‐specific single crystal‐to‐single crystal (SC‐SC) transmetalation to produce 1_Cu . With a sterically encumbered dipyridyl linker, the same ligand forms non‐interpenetrated, 3D, pillared‐layer Zn^II metal–organic framework (MOF) 2 , which takes part in SC‐SC linker‐exchange reactions to produce three daughter frameworks. The parent MOF 2 shows preferential incorporation of the longest linker in competitive linker‐exchange experiments. All the 3D MOFs undergo complete SC‐SC transmetalation with Cu^II, whereby metal exchange in different solvents and monitoring of X‐ray structures revealed that bulky solvated metal ions lead to ordering of the shortest linker in the framework, which confirms that the solvated metal ions enter through the pores along the linker axis.     

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.     

A self‐penetrated three‐dimensional zinc(II) coordination framework based on 4,4′,4′′‐(1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triyl)tribenzoic acid and 1,3‐bis[(imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzene ligands: synthesis,structure and properties

With the rapid development of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a variety of MOFs and their derivatives have been synthesized and reported in recent years. Commonly, multifunctional aromatic polycarboxylic acids and nitrogen‐containing ligands are employed to construct MOFs with fascinating structures. 4,4′,4′′‐(1,3,5‐Triazine‐2,4,6‐triyl)tribenzoic acid (H₃TATB) and the bidentate nitrogen‐containing ligand 1,3‐bis[(imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzene (bib) were selected to prepare a novel Zn^II‐MOF under solvothermal conditions, namely poly[[tris{μ‐1,3‐bis[(imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzene}bis[μ₃‐4,4′,4′′‐(1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triyl)tribenzoato]trizinc(II)] dimethylformamide disolvate trihydrate], {[Zn₃(C₂₄H₁₂N₃O₆)₂(C₁₄H₁₄N₄)₃]·2C₃H₇NO·3H₂O}_n ( 1 ). The structure of 1 was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy and powder X‐ray diffraction. The properties of 1 were investigated by thermogravimetric and fluorescence analysis. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction shows that 1 belongs to the monoclinic space group Pc. The asymmetric unit contains three crystallographically independent Zn^II centres, two 4,4′,4′′‐(1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triyl)tribenzoate (TATB^3?) anions, three complete bib ligands, one and a half free dimethylformamide molecules and three guest water molecules. Each Zn^II centre is four‐coordinated and displays a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry. The Zn^II centres are connected by TATB^3? anions to form an angled ladder chain with large windows. Simultaneously, the bib ligands link Zn^II centres to give a helical Zn–bib–Zn chain. Furthermore, adjacent ladders are bridged by Zn–bib–Zn chains to form a fascinating three‐dimensional self‐penetrated framework with the short Schläfli symbol 6⁵·7·8¹³·9·10. In addition, the luminescence properties of 1 in the solid state and the fluorescence sensing of metal ions in suspension were studied. Significantly, compound 1 shows potential application as a fluorescent sensor with sensing properties for Zr⁴⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions.     

Electrocatalysis of N2 to NH3 by HKUST‐1 with High NH3 Yield

Electrolytic ammonia synthesis from nitrogen at ambient conditions is appearing as a promising alternative to the Haber‐Bosch process which is consuming high energy and emitting CO₂. Here, a typical MOF material, HKUST‐1 (Cu?BTC, BTC=benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylate), was selected as an electrocatalyst for the reaction of converting N₂ to NH₃ under ambient conditions. At ?0.75 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, it achieves excellent catalytic performance in the electrochemical synthesis of ammonia with high NH₃ yield (46.63 μg h^?1 mg^?1 _cat. or 4.66 μg h^?1 cm^?2) and good Faraday efficiency (2.45%). It is indicated that the good performance of the HKUST‐1 catalyst may originate from the formation of Cu(I). In addition, the catalyst also has good selectivity for N₂ to NH₃.     

Microwave‐Assisted Modular Fabrication of Nanoscale Luminescent Metal‐Organic Framework for Molecular Sensing

Miniaturizing the size of metal‐organic framework (MOF) crystals to the nanometer scale is challenging, but it provides more advanced applications without changing the characteristic features itself. It is especially useful to investigate the correlation between the porous properties and the interfacial structures of nanocrystals. Using amino acids as capping agents, nanoscale Tb‐MOF‐76 is fabricated rapidly by means of microwave‐assisted methods. Both the modular effects of the amimo acids and the acid–base environment of the reaction medium have an important impact on the morphologies and dimensions of Tb‐MOF‐76. The structures of the samples are confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction, and the morphologies are characterized by SEM. Photoluminescence studies reveal that these Tb‐MOF‐76 materials exhibit a green emission corresponding to the transition ⁵D₄→⁷F_J of Tb³⁺ ions under UV‐light excitation, which is sensitive to small organic molecules in solution.     

Block Copolymer‐Templated Approach to Nanopatterned Metal–Organic Framework Films

The fabrication of patterned metal–organic framework (MOF) films with precisely controlled nanoscale resolution has been a fundamental challenge in nanoscience and nanotechnology. In this study, nanopatterned MOF films were fabricated using a layer‐by‐layer (LBL) growth method on functional templates (such as a bicontinuous nanoporous membrane or a structure with highly long‐range‐ordered nanoscopic channels parallel to the underlying substrate) generated by the microphase separation of polystyrene‐b ‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (PS‐b ‐P2VP) block copolymers. HKUST‐1 can be directly deposited on the templates without any chemical modification because the pyridine groups in P2VP interact with metal ions via metal‐BCP complexes. As a result, nanopatterned HKUST‐1 films with feature sizes below 50 nm and controllable thicknesses can be fabricated by controlling the number of LBL growth cycles. The proposed fabrication method further extends the applications of MOFs in various fields.     

Copper‐based Metal‐organic Framework for Non‐enzymatic Electrochemical Detection of Glucose

A non‐enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensor based on a Cu‐based metal‐organic framework (Cu‐MOF) modified electrode was developed. The Cu‐MOF was prepared by a simple ionothermal synthesis, and the characterizations of the Cu‐MOF were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), single‐crystal X‐ray powder diffraction (SCXRD), and X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD). Electrochemical behaviors of the Cu‐MOF modified electrode to glucose were measured by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The electrochemical results showed that the Cu‐MOF modified electrode exhibited an excellent electro‐catalytic oxidation towards glucose in the range of 0.06 μM to 5 mM with a sensitivity of 89 μA/mM cm² and a detection limit of 10.5 nM. Moreover, the fabricated sensor showed a high selectivity to the oxidation of glucose in coexistence with other interferences. The sensor was satisfactorily applied to the determination of glucose in urine samples. With the significant electrochemical performances, MOFs may provide a suitable platform in the construction of kinds of electrochemical sensors and/or biosensors and hold a great promise for sensing applications.     

A Titanium(IV)‐Based Metal–Organic Framework Featuring Defect‐Rich Ti‐O Sheets as an Oxidative Desulfurization Catalyst

While titanium‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely studied for their (photo)catalytic potential, only a few Ti^IV MOFs have been reported owing to the high reactivity of the employed titanium precursors. The synthesis of COK‐47 is now presented, the first Ti carboxylate MOF based on sheets of Ti^IVO₆ octahedra, which can be synthesized with a range of different linkers. COK‐47 can be synthesized as an inherently defective nanoparticulate material, rendering it a highly efficient catalyst for the oxidation of thiophenes. Its structure was determined by continuous rotation electron diffraction and studied in depth by X‐ray total scattering, EXAFS, and solid‐state NMR. Furthermore, its photoactivity was investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance and demonstrated by catalytic photodegradation of rhodamine 6G.     

Selective Sensing of Fe3+ and Al3+ Ions and Detection of 2,4,6‐Trinitrophenol by a Water‐Stable Terbium‐Based Metal–Organic Framework

A water‐stable luminescent terbium‐based metal–organic framework (MOF), {[Tb(L₁)_1.5(H₂O)] ? 3 H₂O}_n (Tb‐MOF), with rod‐shaped secondary building units (SBUs) and honeycomb‐type tubular channels has been synthesized and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The high green emission intensity and the microporous nature of the Tb‐MOF indicate that it can potentially be used as a luminescent sensor. In this work, we show that Tb‐MOF can selectively sense Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ ions from mixed metal ions in water through different detection mechanisms. In addition, it also exhibits high sensitivity for 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (TNP) in the presence of other nitro aromatic compounds in aqueous solution by luminescence quenching experiments.     

Room Temperature Synthesis and Size Control of HKUST‐1

We report the synthesis of HKUST‐1 (Cu₃(btc)₂; btc=benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylate) and its growth kinetics by dynamic light scattering completely at room temperature without prior nucleation‐induction steps. Upon an increase in concentration of the starting solutions, the generation of a pure phase requires adjustment of the H₂O/EtOH ratio. The presence of DMF is important to avoid competitive side phases. Replacement of DMF by a minimal amount of diethylamine resulted in the instantaneous formation of pure HKUST‐1 upon mixing at room temperature. Additionally, the synthesis parameters strongly influence the final crystallite size and porous properties.     

Sequential Transformation of Zirconium(IV)‐MOFs into Heterobimetallic MOFs Bearing Magnetic Anisotropic Cobalt(II) Centers

Heterometallic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) allow the precise placement of various metals at atomic precision within a porous framework. This new level of control by MOFs promises fascinating advances in basic science and application. However, the rational design and synthesis of heterometallic MOFs remains a challenge due to the complexity of the heterometallic systems. Herein, we show that bimetallic MOFs with MX₂(INA)₄ moieties (INA=isonicotinate; M=Co²⁺ or Fe²⁺; X=OH^?, Cl^?, Br^?, I^?, NCS^?, or NCSe^?) can be generated by the sequential modification of a Zr‐based MOF. This multi‐step modification not only replaced the linear organic linker with a square planar MX₂(INA)₄ unit, but also altered the symmetry, unit cell, and topology of the parent structure. Single‐crystal to single‐crystal transformation is realized so that snapshots for transition process were captured by successive single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Furthermore, the installation of Co(NCS)₂(INA)₄ endows field‐induced slow magnetic relaxation property to the diamagnetic Zr‐MOF.     

Advances of Metal‐Organic Frameworks in Energy and Environmental Applications

Nowadays, energy shortage and environmental pollution issues are increasingly severe and urgent to be solved. The effective storage and use of environmentally friendly fuels and removal of harmful gases from the environment are great challenges and of great importance both for the environment protection and for human health. Porous metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly ordered crystalline materials formed by the self‐assembly process of metal ions and organic ligands. Their good features such as ultrahigh porosity, large surface area, structural diversity and functionalities make them promising candidates for applications in energy and environmental fields. MOF thin films and MOF composites have also been investigated to further enhance the properties and introduce new functionalities. This review provides an overview of the synthesis methods of pristine MOFs, MOF thin films and MOF composites, and significant advances of MOFs in energy and environment applications such as energy storage (H₂, CH₄), CO₂ capture and separation, adsorption removal and sensing of harmful gases in the environment.     

A Metal–Organic Framework Based Methane Nano‐trap for the Capture of Coal‐Mine Methane

As a major greenhouse gas, methane, which is directly vented from the coal‐mine to the atmosphere, has not yet drawn sufficient attention. To address this problem, we report a methane nano‐trap that features oppositely adjacent open metal sites and dense alkyl groups in a metal–organic framework (MOF). The alkyl MOF‐based methane nano‐trap exhibits a record‐high methane uptake and CH₄/N₂ selectivity at 298 K and 1 bar. The methane molecules trapped within the alkyl MOF were crystalographically identified by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction experiments, which in combination with molecular simulation studies unveiled the methane adsorption mechanism within the MOF‐based nano‐trap. The IAST calculations and the breakthrough experiments revealed that the alkyl MOF‐based methane nano‐trap is a new benchmark for CH₄/N₂ separation, thereby providing a new perspective for capturing methane from coal‐mine methane to recover fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.     

Definitive Molecular Level Characterization of Defects in UiO‐66 Crystals

The identification and characterization of defects, on the molecular level, in metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) remain a challenge. With the extensive use of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SXRD), the missing linker defects in the zirconium‐based MOF UiO‐66, Zr₆O₄(OH)₄(C₈H₄O₄)₆, have been identified as water molecules coordinated directly to the zirconium centers. Charge balancing is achieved by hydroxide anions, which are hydrogen bonded within the pores of the framework. Furthermore, the precise nature of the defects and their concentration can be manipulated by altering the starting materials, synthesis conditions, and post‐synthetic modifications.