Tailoring Large Pores of Porphyrin Networks on Ag(111) by Metal–Organic Coordination

The engineering of nanoarchitectures to achieve tailored properties relevant for macroscopic devices is a key motivation of organometallic surface science. To this end, understanding the role of molecular functionalities in structure formation and adatom coordination is of great importance. In this study, the differences in formation of Cu‐mediated metal–organic coordination networks based on two pyridyl‐ and cyano‐bearing free‐base porphyrins on Ag(111) are elucidated by use of low‐temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Distinct coordination networks evolve via different pathways upon codeposition of Cu adatoms. The cyano‐terminated module directly forms 2D porous networks featuring fourfold‐coordinated Cu nodes. By contrast, the pyridyl species engage in twofold coordination with Cu and a fully reticulated 2D network featuring a pore size exceeding 3 nm² only evolves via an intermediate structure based on 1D coordination chains. The STM data and complementary Monte Carlo simulations reveal that these distinct network architectures originate from spatial constraints at the coordination centers. Cu adatoms are also shown to form two‐ and fourfold monoatomic coordination nodes with monotopic nitrogen‐terminated linkers on the very same metal substrate—a versatility that is not achieved by other 3d transition metal centers but consistent with 3D coordination chemistry. This study discloses how specific molecular functionalities can be applied to tailor coordination architectures and highlights the potential of Cu as coordination center in such low‐dimensional structures on surfaces.     

Competitive Metal Coordination of Hexaaminotriphenylene on Cu(111) by Intrinsic Copper Versus Extrinsic Nickel Adatoms

The interplay between the self-assembly and surface chemistry of 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaaminotriphenylene (HATP) on Cu(111) was complementarily studied by high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) under ultra-high vacuum conditions. To shed light on the competitive metal coordination, comparative experiments were carried out on pristine and nickel-covered Cu(111). Directly after room-temperature deposition of HATP onto pristine Cu(111), self-assembled aggregates were observed by STM, and XPS results indicated still protonated amino groups. Annealing up to 200 °C activated the progressive single deprotonation of all amino groups as indicated by chemical shifts of both the N 1s and C 1s core levels in the XP spectra. This enabled the formation of topologically diverse π–d conjugated coordination networks with intrinsic copper adatoms. The basic motif of these networks was a metal–organic trimer, in which three HATP molecules were coordinated by Cu₃ clusters, as corroborated by the accompanying density functional theory (DFT) simulations. Additional deposition of more reactive nickel atoms resulted in both chemical and structural changes with deprotonation and formation of bis(diimino)–Ni bonded networks already at room temperature. Even though fused hexagonal metal-coordinated pores were observed, extended honeycomb networks remained elusive, as tentatively explained by the restricted reversibility of these metal–organic bonds.     

Supramolecular isomerism, framework flexibility, unsaturated metal center, and porous property of Ag(I)/Cu(I) 3,3',5,5'-tetrametyl-4,4'-bipyrazolate

Template-controlled reactions of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethyl-4,4'-bipyrazole (H2bpz) with [Ag(NH3)2]+ or [Cu(NH3)2]+ give binary metal bipyrazolates [M2(bpz)] (M = Ag, Cu) as two supramolecular isomers (1 and 2). Isomer 1 possesses four-fold interpenetrated (10,3)-a coordination networks, two-fold interpenetrated (10,3)-a channel networks, and guest-accessible coordinatively unsaturated metal clusters. Isomer 2 possesses eight-fold interpenetrated (6(2) x 10)(6 x 10(2)) coordination networks and isolated, small pores. These metal bipyrazolates are chemically stable and thermally stable up to 300-500 degrees C. Their exceptional framework flexibilities have been demonstrated by adsorption measurements and single-crystal diffraction analyses. The guest-accessible Ag(I)/Cu(I) UMC clusters have also been demonstrated to facilitate the accommodation of unsaturated hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, mesitylene, and acetylene via weak metal...pi interactions.     

Two novel 3-D coordination polymers with 5-methoxyisophthalate and flexible N-donor co-ligands showing pentanuclear or alternate mono/binuclear Cu(II) units

Two novel 3-D coordination polymers with different Cu(II) subunits as nodes and mixed bridging ligands as linkers, namely [Cu(5)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(1,3-bip)(2)(CH(3)O-ip)(4)](n) (1) and {[Cu(4)(1,3-btp)(2)(CH(3)O-p)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]·2H(2)O}(n) (2) (CH(3)O-H(2)ip = 5-methoxyisophthalate, 1,3-bip = 1,3-bis(imidazol)propane, 1,3-btp = 1,3-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propane), were prepared under hydrothermal conditions. Complex 1 exhibits a CsCl-type network with [Cu(5)(μ(3)-OH)(2)](8+) clusters acting as nodes, which represents the first 3-D network based on pentanuclear Cu(II) clusters. Complex 2 features a 3-D pillared-layer network with (4,6)-connected (4(4).6(2))(4(4).6(8).8(3))-fsc topology, which is a rare example of homometallic coordination polymers constructed by alternate binuclear metal clusters and single metal centres. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements show dominant ferromagnetic interactions in the pentanuclear clusters of 1 and strong antiferromagnetic interactions in the dinuclear paddle-wheel units of 2.     

Cyano‐Functionalized Triarylamines on Coinage Metal Surfaces: Interplay of Intermolecular and Molecule–Substrate Interactions

The self‐assembly of cyano‐functionalized triarylamine derivatives on Cu(111), Ag(111) and Au(111) was studied by means of scanning tunnelling microscopy, low‐energy electron diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. Different bonding motifs, such as antiparallel dipolar coupling, hydrogen bonding and metal coordination, were observed. Whereas on Ag(111) only one hexagonally close‐packed pattern stabilized by hydrogen bonding is observed, on Au(111) two different partially porous phases are present at submonolayer coverage, stabilized by dipolar coupling, hydrogen bonding and metal coordination. In contrast to the self‐assembly on Ag(111) and Au(111), for which large islands are formed, on Cu(111), only small patches of hexagonally close‐packed networks stabilized by metal coordination and areas of disordered molecules are found. The significant variety in the molecular self‐assembly of the cyano‐functionalized triarylamine derivatives on these coinage metal surfaces is explained by differences in molecular mobility and the subtle interplay between intermolecular and molecule–substrate interactions.     

Multielectron‐Transfer‐based Rechargeable Energy Storage of Two‐Dimensional Coordination Frameworks with Non‐Innocent Ligands

The metallically conductive bis(diimino)nickel framework (NiDI), an emerging class of metal–organic framework (MOF) analogues consisting of two‐dimensional (2D) coordination networks, was found to have an energy storage principle that uses both cation and anion insertion. This principle gives high energy led by a multielectron transfer reaction: Its specific capacity is one of the highest among MOF‐based cathode materials in rechargeable energy storage devices, with stable cycling performance up to 300 cycles. This mechanism was studied by a wide spectrum of electrochemical techniques combined with density‐functional calculations. This work shows that a rationally designed material system of conductive 2D coordination networks can be promising electrode materials for many types of energy devices.     

Self-assembly of metal-organometallic coordination networks

A range of neutral metal-organometallic coordination networks (MOMNs) containing both backbone and pendant metal sites have been synthesized and characterized. These materials consist of metal ions or metal ion clusters as nodes that are linked by the bifunctional “organometalloligand” (η⁴-benzoquinone)Mn(CO)₃⁻, which binds through the quinone oxygen atoms. The resulting MOMNs can be rationally designed to a significant extent based upon a knowledge of the electronic and geometrical requirements of the metal ion nodes, the solvent, organometalloligand substituents, and the presence or absence of organic spacers. An impressive range of architectures have been accessed in this manner, suggesting that the use of π-organometallics in coordination directed self-assembly holds much promise.     

Cluster-based copper(II) coordination polymers with azido bridges and chiral magnets

Three homochiral layered complexes, [Cu3(R-chea)2(N3)6]n (1), [Cu3(S-chea)2(N3)6]n (2) (chea = 1-cyclohexylethylamine) and [Cu3(S-phpa)2(N3)6]n (3) (phpa = 1-phenylpropylamine), and three novel cluster-based coordination polymers, [Cu6(1,2-pn)4(N3)12]n (4) (1,2-pn = 1,2-diaminopropane), [[Cu8(en)4(N3)16] x H2O]n (5) (en = ethylenediamine) and [Cu6(N-Ipren)2(N3)12]n (6) (N-Ipren = N-isopropylethylenediamine), have been synthesized by the self-assembly reactions of Cu(NO3)2 x 3H2O, NaN3 and small organic amine ligands. Their crystal structures are determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes are composed of neutral 2D brick wall networks with only end-on azido bridges. Complexes and are 3D coordination polymers featuring copper-azido clusters and [Cu(diamine)2]2+ units which are linked by the azido bridges. Complex is a 3D coordination framework based on the hexanuclear copper(II) clusters [Cu6(N3)12(N-Ipren)2]. Magnetic studies show that complexes are interesting chiral ferromagnets with the magnetic transition temperature at ca. 5.0 K. Complexes and show ferromagnetic coupling in the copper-azido cluster units and antiferromagnetic interaction between neighboring units, while complex shows ferromagnetic ordering at 3.2 K.     

Sol–Gel Synthesis of Metal–Phenolic Coordination Spheres and Their Derived Carbon Composites

A formaldehyde‐assisted metal–ligand crosslinking strategy is used for the synthesis of metal–phenolic coordination spheres based on sol–gel chemistry. A range of mono‐metal (Co, Fe, Al, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ce), bi‐metal (Fe‐Co, Co‐Zn) and multi‐metal (Fe‐Co‐Ni‐Cu‐Zn) species can be incorporated into the frameworks of the colloidal spheres. The formation of coordination spheres involves the pre‐crosslinking of plant polyphenol (such as tannic acid) by formaldehyde in alkaline ethanol/water solvents, followed by the aggregation assembly of polyphenol oligomers via metal–ligand crosslinking. The coordination spheres can be used as sensors for the analysis of nucleic acid variants with single‐nucleotide discrimination, and a versatile precursor for electrode materials with high electrocatalytic performance.     

Anisotropic Electron Conductance Driven by Reaction Byproducts on a Porous Network of Dibromobenzothiadiazole on Cu(110)

Efficiency in charge‐transport is a fundamental but demanding prerequisite to allow better exploitation of molecular functionalities in organic electronics and energy‐conversion systems. Here, we report on a mechanism that enables a one‐dimensional conductance structure by connecting discrete molecular states at 2.1 eV through the pores of a metal–organic network on Cu(110). Two adjacent, periodic and isoenergetic contributions, namely a molecular resonance and the confined surface‐state, add‐up leading to anisotropic structures, as channels, observable in real‐space conductance images. The adsorption configurations of Br atoms, inorganic byproduct of the redox‐reacted 4,7‐dibromobenzo[c]‐1,2,5‐thiadiazole (2Br‐BTD) molecules on the copper surface, drive the confinement of the Cu surface state within the pores and critically control the channel continuity. Small displacements of the Br atoms change the local surface potential misaligning the energy levels. This work visualizes the effect of order‐disorder transitions caused by the movement of single atoms in the electronic properties of two‐dimensional organic networks.     

Anisotropically Swelling Gels Attained through Axis‐Dependent Crosslinking of MOF Crystals

Anisotropically deforming objects have attracted considerable interest for use in molecular machines and artificial muscles. Herein, we focus on a new approach based on the crystal crosslinking of organic ligands in a pillared‐layer metal–organic framework (PLMOF). The approach involves the transformation from crosslinked PLMOF to polymer gels through hydrolysis of the coordination bonds between the organic ligands and metal ions, giving a network polymer that exhibits anisotropic swelling. The anisotropic monomer arrangement in the PLMOF underwent axis‐dependent crosslinking to yield anisotropically swelling gels. Therefore, the crystal crosslinking of MOFs should be a useful method for creating actuators with designable deformation properties.     

Comparing Ullmann Coupling on Noble Metal Surfaces: On‐Surface Polymerization of 1,3,6,8‐Tetrabromopyrene on Cu(111) and Au(111)

The on‐surface polymerization of 1,3,6,8‐tetrabromopyrene (Br₄Py) on Cu(111) and Au(111) surfaces under ultrahigh vacuum conditions was investigated by a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Deposition of Br₄Py on Cu(111) held at 300 K resulted in a spontaneous debromination reaction, generating the formation of a branched coordination polymer network stabilized by C?Cu?C bonds. After annealing at 473 K, the C?Cu?C bonds were converted to covalent C?C bonds, leading to the formation of a covalently linked molecular network of short oligomers. In contrast, highly ordered self‐assembled two‐dimensional (2D) patterns stabilized by both Br?Br halogen and Br?H hydrogen bonds were observed upon deposition of Br₄Py on Au(111) held at 300 K. Subsequent annealing of the sample at 473 K led to a dissociation of the C?Br bonds and the formation of disordered metal‐coordinated molecular networks. Further annealing at 573 K resulted in the formation of covalently linked disordered networks. Importantly, we found that the chosen substrate not only plays an important role as catalyst for the Ullmann reaction, but also influences the formation of different types of intermolecular bonds and thus, determines the final polymer network morphology. DFT calculations further support our experimental findings obtained by STM and XPS and add complementary information on the reaction pathway of Br₄Py on the different substrates.     

Polyoxometalate‐Based Entangled Coordination Networks Induced by an Extended Bis(triazole) Ligand

The introduction of an extended bridging bis(triazole) ligand, that is, 4,4′‐bis(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐ ylmethyl)biphenyl (BBPTZ), into the hydrothermal reaction system containing transition metal ions and Keggin‐type polyoxometalates (POMs) led to the isolation of three new organic–inorganic hybrid entangled coordination networks, [Cu^I₂Cu^II(BBPTZ)₆][SiW₁₂O₄₀]?12 H₂O ( 1 ), [Ni(BBPTZ)₂(H₂O)][H₂SiW₁₂O₄₀]?11 H₂O ( 2 ), and [Ni₂(BBPTZ)₄(H₂O)₂][SiW₁₂O₄₀]?3 H₂O ( 3 ). All three compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, TG analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 1 contains a 2‐D POM‐based metal–organic layer entangled with 1‐D ladder‐like metal–organic chains. The adjacent 2‐D networks are parallel to each other, further stacking into a 3‐D supramolecular framework with 1‐D channels. Compound 2 exhibits a 1‐D cantilever‐type loop‐containing chain. The Keggin‐type POMs act as the cantilever groups, leading to the adjacent catilever‐type chains interwaving together to form a 3‐D supramolecular open framework with two types of channels. Compound 3 possesses a 3‐D open framework based on 2‐D metal–organic undulated layer and Keggin‐type POM clusters. Three sets of such frameworks further interpenetrate with each other to form an interesting three‐fold interpenetrating framework. The photocatalytic activities of compounds 1–3 for the decomposition of methylene blue (MB) under UV light have been investigated.     

In Situ Generation and Stabilization of Accessible Cu/Cu2O Heterojunctions inside Organic Frameworks for Highly Efficient Catalysis

Heterostructural metal/metal oxides are the very promising substituents of noble‐metal catalysts; however, generation and further stabilization of accessible metal/metal oxide heterojunctions are very difficult. A strategy to encapsulate and stabilize Cu/Cu₂O nanojunctions in porous organic frameworks in situ is developed by tuning the acrylate contents in copper‐based metal–organic frameworks (Cu‐MOFs) and the pyrolytic conditions. The acrylate groups play important roles on improving the polymerization degree of organic frameworks and generating and stabilizing highly dispersed and accessible Cu/Cu₂O heteronanojunctions. As a result, pyrolysis of the MOF ZJU‐199, consisting of three acrylates per ligand, generates abundant heterostructural Cu/Cu₂O discrete domains inside porous organic matrices at 350 °C, demonstrating excellent catalytic properties in liquid‐phase hydrogenation of furfural into furfuryl alcohol, which are much superior to the non‐noble metal‐based catalysts.     

Bandgap Engineering of Titanium–Oxo Clusters: Labile Surface Sites Used for Ligand Substitution and Metal Incorporation

Through the labile coordination sites of a robust phosphonate‐stabilized titanium–oxo cluster, 14 O‐donor ligands have been successfully introduced without changing the cluster core. The increasing electron‐withdrawing effect of the organic species allows the gradual reduction of the bandgaps of the {Ti₆} complexes. Transition‐metal ions are then incorporated by the use of bifunctional O/N‐donor ligands, organizing these {Ti₆} clusters into polymeric structures. The coordination environments of the applied metal ions show significant influence on their visible‐light adsorption. Both the above structural functionalizations also tune the photocatalytic H₂ production activities of these clusters. This work provides a systematic bandgap engineering study of titanium–oxo clusters, which is important not only for their future photocatalytic applications, also for the better understanding of the structure–property relationships.     

Metal–Organic Gels Derived from Iron(III) and Pyridine Ligands: Morphology,Self‐Healing and Catalysis for Ethylene Selective Dimerization

Metal‐organic gels showing potential application in catalysis have received much concern. In this work, we designed and synthesized two metal‐organic gels based on coordination between Fe^III and pyridine ligands at room temperature. The gels were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to reveal their assembly structures and morphologies, and it was found the metal‐organic gel derived from di‐topic ligand was composed of three‐dimensional network of nanofibers, while the gel derived from tri‐topic ligand was constituted of sponge‐like structure with amorphous phase. Rheological analysis showed the gel consisting of nanofiber networks displayed self‐healing property. The gels were used as catalysts for selective ethylene dimerization, and the optimum catalysis results of the gel with nanofibers reached the maximal catalytic activity of 1.48×10⁵ g/(mol Fe?h) with C₄ yield more than 90 %, whereas the sponge‐like gel only gave 38 % C₄ products at the same condition. The higher dimerization selectivity of the former Fe^III gel was attributed to its regular assembly structure and lower steric hindrance of the surface metal sites. Due to its catalytic activity, high selectivity and preparation simplicity, the Fe^III gel might be potentially applicable for the preparation of C₄ α‐olefins.     

Supramolecular assemblies based on organometallic quinonoid linkers: a new class of coordination networks

Self-assembly of coordination frameworks exhibiting original architectures is an active area of research. Generally, such assemblies are constructed from organic spacers and transition metals of different geometrical structures. Herein, we report a novel class of supramolecular coordination assemblies with organometallic linkers based on metalated quinonoid and thioquinonoid complexes that serve as spacers. The organometallic ligands are stable and have the general formula [Cp*M(eta(4)-benzoquinone)] (o- and p-benzoquinone, Cp*=C(5)Me(5), M=Rh, Ir) and [Cp*Ir(eta(4)-thiobenzoquinone)] (o- and p-thiobenzoquinone). These units bind through both oxygen or sulfur atoms to metal ions of different coordination geometry, such as Cu(I), Ag(I), and Pt(II), to generate supramolecular coordination networks, with the metalated quinonoid or thioquinonoid linkers acting as backbones and the metal centers as nodes. This novel family of supramolecular assemblies exhibits short pi-pi and MM interactions. These results illustrate successfully the role of the organometallic linkers to produce an impressive range of novel supramolecular architectures that hold promise for the development of functional materials.     

Molecular Spring‐like Triple‐Helix Coordination Polymers as Dual‐Stress and Thermally Responsive Crystalline Metal–Organic Materials

Elastic metal–organic materials (MOMs) capable of multiple stimuli‐responsiveness based on dual‐stress and thermally responsive triple‐helix coordination polymers are presented. The strong metal‐coordination linkage and the flexibility of organic linkers in these MOMs, rather than the 4 Å stacking interactions observed in organic crystals, causes the helical chain to act like a molecular spring and thus accounts for their macroscopic elasticity. The thermosalient effect of elastic MOMs is reported for the first time. Crystal structure analyses at different temperatures reveal that this thermoresponsiveness is achieved by adaptive regulation of the triple‐helix chains by fine‐tuning the opening angle of flexible V‐shaped organic linkers and rotation of its lateral conjugated groups to resist possible expansion, thus demonstrating the vital role of adaptive reorganization of triple‐helix metal–organic chains as a molecular spring‐like motif in crystal jumping.     

Water‐Stable Homochiral Cluster Organic Frameworks Built by Two Kinds of Large Tetrahedral Cluster Units

Compared with metal organic frameworks (MOFs), the proton conductivity of cluster organic frameworks has been less studied. Herein, two supertetrahedral cluster organic frameworks (SCOFs) have been made that show two‐fold interpenetrated networks built by trivalent lanthanide tetrahedral clusters and monovalent cuprous T₃‐supertetrahedral clusters. The structure analysis, second harmonic generation signals, and solid‐state circular dichroism spectroscopy consistently reveal the chirality of these SCOFs. Remarkably, the water‐stable SCOFs show a high proton conductivity value of 1.4×10^?3 S cm^?1 at 80 °C and 95 % RH (relative humidity).     

Water‐dispersible Hollow Microporous Organic Network Spheres as Substrate for Electroless Deposition of Ultrafine Pd Nanoparticles with High Catalytic Activity and Recyclability

Microporous organic networks (MONs) have been considered as an ideal substrate to stabilize active metal nanoparticles. However, the development of highly water‐dispersible hollow MONs nanostructures which can serve as both the reducing agent and stabilizer is highly desirable but still challenging. Here we report a template‐assisted method to synthesize hollow microporous organic network (H‐MON) spheres using silica spheres as hard template and 1,3,5‐triethynylbenzene as the building blocks through a Glaser coupling reaction. The obtained water‐dispersible H‐MON spheres bearing sp‐ and sp²‐hybridized carbon atoms possess a highly conjugated electronic structure and show low reduction potential; thus, they can serve as a reducing agent and stabilizer for electroless deposition of highly dispersed Pd clusters to form a Pd/H‐MON spherical hollow nanocomposite. Benefitting from their high porosity, large surface area, and excellent solution dispersibility, the as‐prepared Pd/H‐MON hollow nanocomposite exhibits a high catalytic performance and recyclability toward the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol.