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.     

Solvent-Vapor-Induced Reversible Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Transformation of a Triphosphaazatriangulene-Based Metal–Organic Framework

A triphosphaazatriangulene (H₃L) was synthesized through an intramolecular triple phospha-Friedel–Crafts reaction. The H₃L triangulene contains three phosphinate groups and an extended π-conjugated framework, which enables the stimuli-responsive reversible transformation of [Cu(HL)(DMSO)⋅(MeOH)]_n, a 3D-MOF that exhibits reversible sorption characteristics, into (H₃L⋅0.5 [Cu₂(OH)₄⋅6 H₂O] ⋅4 H₂O), a 1D-columnar assembled proton-conducting material. The hydrophilic nature of the latter resulted in a proton conductivity of 5.5×10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 95 % relative humidity and 60 °C.     

Improved Acid Resistance of a Metal–Organic Cage Enables Cargo Release and Exchange between Hosts

The use of di(2-pyridyl)ketone in subcomponent self-assembly is introduced. When combined with a flexible triamine and zinc bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, this ketone formed a new Zn₄L₄ tetrahedron 1 bearing twelve uncoordinated pyridyl units around its metal-ion vertices. The acid stability of 1 was found to be greater than that of the analogous tetrahedron 2 built from 2-formylpyridine. Intriguingly, the peripheral presence of additional pyridine rings in 1 resulted in distinct guest binding behavior from that of 2 , affecting guest scope as well as binding affinities. The different stabilities and guest affinities of capsules 1 and 2 enabled the design of systems whereby different cargoes could be moved between cages using acid and base as chemical stimuli.     

Incarceration of Iodine in a Pyrene-Based Metal–Organic Framework

A pyrene-based metal-organic framework (MOF) SION-8 captured iodine (I₂) vapor with a capacity of 460 and 250 mg g⁻¹_MOF at room temperature and 75 °C, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and van-der-Waals-corrected density functional theory calculations confirmed the presence of I₂ molecules within the pores of SION-8 and their interaction with the pyrene-based ligands. The I₂–pyrene interactions in the I₂-loaded SION-8 led to a 10⁴-fold increase of its electrical conductivity compared to the bare SION-8 . Upon adsorption, ≥95 % of I₂ molecules were incarcerated and could not be washed out, signifying the potential of SION-8 towards the permanent capture of radioactive I₂ at room temperature.     

Evidence of a Uranium-Paddlewheel Node in a Catecholate-Based Metal–Organic Framework

The interactions between uranium and non-innocent organic species are an essential component of fundamental uranium redox chemistry. However, they have seldom been explored in the context of multidimensional, porous materials. Uranium-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offer a new angle to study these interactions, as these self-assembled species stabilize uranium species through immobilization by organic linkers within a crystalline framework, while potentially providing a method for adjusting metal oxidation state through coordination of non-innocent linkers. We report the synthesis of the MOF NU-1700 , assembled from U⁴⁺-paddlewheel nodes and catecholate-based linkers. We propose this highly unusual structure, which contains two U⁴⁺ ions in a paddlewheel built from four linkers—a first among uranium materials—as a result of extensive characterization via powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), sorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), in addition to density functional theory (DFT) calculations.     

An Uncommon Nanocage 3D Metal–Organic Framework Built from a Tetracarboxylate Ligand: Photoluminescence and Photocatalytic Properties

Russian Journal of Coordination Chemistry - A new Eu(II)-based complex [H2N(Me)2][Eu3(L)2(HCOO)2(DMF)2(H2O)](I) (H4L = 3,5'-di(3',5'-dicarboxylphenyl)pyridine) has been synthesized and...     

Solid State Machinery of Multiple Dynamic Elements in a Metal–Organic Framework

Engineering coordinated rotational motion in porous architectures enables the fabrication of molecular machines in solids. A flexible two-fold interpenetrated pillared Metal-Organic Framework precisely organizes fast mobile elements such as bicyclopentane (BCP) (10⁷ Hz regime at 85 K), two distinct pyridyl rotors and E-azo group involved in pedal-like motion. Reciprocal sliding of the two sub-networks, switched by chemical stimuli, modulated the sizes of the channels and finally the overall dynamical machinery. Actually, iodine-vapor adsorption drives a dramatic structural rearrangement, displacing the two distinct subnets in a concerted piston-like motion. Unconventionally, BCP mobility increases, exploring ultra-fast dynamics (10⁷ Hz) at temperatures as low as 44 K, while the pyridyl rotors diverge into a faster and slower dynamical regime by symmetry lowering. Indeed, one pillar ring gained greater rotary freedom as carried by the azo-group in a crank-like motion. A peculiar behavior was stimulated by pressurized CO_2, which regulates BCP dynamics upon incremental site occupation. The rotary dynamics is intrinsically coupled to the framework flexibility as demonstrated by complementary experimental evidence (multinuclear solid-state NMR down to very low temperatures, synchrotron radiation XRD, gas sorption) and computational modelling, which helps elucidate the highly sophisticated rotor-structure interplay.     

Simultaneous Capture of CO2 Boosting Its Electroreduction in the Micropores of a Metal–organic Framework

Integration of CO₂ capture capability from simulated flue gas and electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (eCO₂RR) active sites into a catalyst is a promising cost-effective strategy for carbon neutrality, but is of great difficulty. Herein, combining the mixed gas breakthrough experiments and eCO₂RR tests, we showed that an Ag₁₂ cluster-based metal–organic framework ( 1-NH₂ , aka Ag₁₂bpy-NH₂ ), simultaneously possessing CO₂ capture sites as “CO₂ relays” and eCO₂RR active sites, can not only utilize its micropores to efficiently capture CO₂ from simulated flue gas (CO₂ : N₂=15 : 85, at 298 K), but also catalyze eCO₂RR of the adsorbed CO₂ into CO with an ultra-high CO₂ conversion of 60 %. More importantly, its eCO₂RR performance (a Faradaic efficiency (CO) of 96 % with a commercial current density of 120 mA cm⁻² at a very low cell voltage of −2.3 V for 300 hours and the full-cell energy conversion efficiency of 56 %) under simulated flue gas atmosphere is close to that under 100 % CO₂ atmosphere, and higher than those of all reported catalysts at higher potentials under 100 % CO₂ atmosphere. This work bridges the gap between CO₂ enrichment/capture and eCO₂RR.     

Ultrathin Two-Dimensional Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheets Based on a Halogen-Substituted Porphyrin Ligand: Synthesis and Catalytic Application in CO2 Reductive Amination

Ultrathin two-dimensional metal–organic framework nanosheets have emerged as a promising kind of heterogeneous catalysts. Herein, we report a series of 2D porphyrinic metal–organic framework nanosheets (X-PMOF, X=F, Cl, Br), which was prepared from the self-assembly of a halogen-based porphyrin ligand X-TCPP (X-TCPP=5-(4-halogenatedphenyl)-10,15,20-tris(4-carboxyphenyl)-porphyrin) and ZrCl₄ in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid as the modulating reagent. The framework of X-PMOF possessed the ftw topology as in MOF-525. The lamellar X-PMOF nanosheets with the thickness of down to 4.5 nm were assembled and aggregated into a flower-like morphology. With the introduction of iridium(III) atoms into the porphyrin rings, the resultant X-PMOF(Ir) nanosheets were prepared by a similar method. Catalytic results show that Br-PMOF(Ir) nanosheets were efficient for CO₂ reduction and aminolysis, giving rise to formamides in high yields under room temperature and atmospheric pressure, and can be recycled and reused for 3 runs. The total turnover number of Br-PMOF(Ir) after 3 runs was 1644 based on Ir. Mechanistic studies disclose that the high efficiency of Br-PMOF(Ir) nanosheets was ascribed to three factors, including the superior activation capability of iridium(III) porphyrin for Si−H bonds, more active sites on the external surfaces of Br-PMOF(Ir) nanosheets, and the defects caused by unsymmetrical porphyrin ligand that increased the framework's affinity towards CO₂.     

Metal–organic Coordination Polymers Assembled from Divalent Transition Salts with a Flexible Spacer Ligand: Hydrothermal Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Luminescent and Magnetic Properties

Seven new metal-organic coordination polymers, [M(tzda)(H₂O)₄] _n [M = Co(1), Ni (2) and Zn(3)], [Zn(tzda)(4,4′-bipy)] _n (4), [Cd(tzda)(4,4′-bipy)_0.5(H₂O)] _n (5) and [M(tzda)(4,4′-bipy)(H₂O)] _n [M = Co(6), Ni(7)] [H₂tzda = (1,3,4-thiadiazole-2,5-diyldithio)diacetic acid, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine] have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction. Compounds 1–3 display similar 1D zigzag chain structure. Compound 4 possesses a 2D-layered architecture generated from [Zn(tzda)] _n moiety with double-chain structure cross-linking 4,4′-bipy spacers, while compound 5 consists of –Cd–OCO–Cd–OCO– chains cross-linked through –CH₂SC₂N₂SSCH₂– spacers of tzda anions and 4,4′-bipy, also showing a 2D-layered structure. The structures of 6 and 7 seem more complicated, in which the [M(tzda)] _n layered subunits are extended to unique 3D framework by the bridging 4,4′-bipy ligand. Photoluminescence investigations reveal that 4 and 5 both display strong blue emissions in the solid state at room temperature, which could be significant in the field of luminescent materials. The magnetic studies of 6 and 7 show both display the characteristics of a weak antiferromagnetic coupling between metal ions in the system mediated by carboxylate bridges.     

High Ammonia Uptake of a Metal–Organic Framework Adsorbent in a Wide Pressure Range

Although numerous porous adsorbents have been investigated for NH₃ capture applications, these materials often exhibit insufficient NH₃ uptake, low NH₃ affinity at the ppm level, and poor chemical stability against wet NH₃ conditions. The NH₃ capture properties of M₂(dobpdc) complexes (M=Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Zn²⁺; dobpdc⁴⁻=4,4-dioxidobiphenyl-3,3-dicarboxylate) that contain open metal sites is presented. The NH₃ uptake of Mg₂(dobpdc) at 298 K was 23.9 mmol g⁻¹ at 1 bar and 8.25 mmol g⁻¹ at 570 ppm, which are record high capacities at both pressures among existing porous adsorbents. The structural stability of Mg₂(dobpdc) upon exposure to wet NH₃ was superior to that of the other M₂(dobpdc) and the frameworks tested. Overall, these results demonstrate that Mg₂(dobpdc) is a recyclable compound that exhibits significant NH₃ affinity and capacity, making it a promising candidate for real-world NH₃-capture applications.     

Activation-Dependent Breathing in a Flexible Metal–Organic Framework and the Effects of Repeated Sorption/Desorption Cycling

A non-interpenetrated metal–organic framework with a paddle-wheel secondary building unit has been activated by direct thermal evacuation, guest exchange with a volatile solvent, and supercritical CO₂ drying. Conventional thermal activation yields a mixture of crystalline phases and some amorphous content. Exchange with a volatile solvent prior to vacuum activation produces a pure breathing phase with high sorption capacity, selectivity for CO₂ over N₂ and CH₄, and substantial hysteresis. Supercritical drying can be used to access a guest-free open phase. Pressure-resolved differential scanning calorimetry was used to confirm and investigate a systematic loss of sorption capacity by the breathing phase as a function of successive cycles of sorption and desorption. A corresponding loss of sample integrity was not detectable by powder X-ray diffraction analysis. This may be an important factor to consider in cases where flexible MOFs are earmarked for industrial applications.     

Construction of a 2D Cd（II） Coordination Polymer Based on a V-shaped Bidentate Ligand

A two-dimensional（2D）coordination polymer{[Cd（bdc）（dpb）]·H2O}n（1）has been prepared by solvothermal reaction of 1,3-dipyridyl benzene（1,3-dpb）with deprotonated1,4-benzenedicarboxylate（H2bdc）,and was characterized by elemental analysis,IR spectroscopy,and X-ray single-crystal diffraction.It crystallizes in the monoclinic system,space group C2/c with a=15.1839（12）,b=20.7585（17）,c=7.2989（6）,β=117.3450（10）°,V=2043.5（3）3,C24H18N2O5Cd,Mr=526.81,Dc=1.712 g/cm3,F（000）=1056.0,μ=1.110 mm-1and Z=4.The neighboring Cd（II）ions link the bdc2-anions and 1,3-dpb to form an infinite 2D sheet,and such two2D sheets are interlocked with each other to form a 2D→2D sheet.Two groups of interlocked sheets are further linked together by intermolecularπ···πinteraction,giving a 3D supramolecular network.In addition,the fluorescence property of 1 was also studied.     

Selective Formation of Polyaniline Confined in the Nanopores of a Metal–Organic Framework for Supercapacitors

In this study, a strategy that can result in the polyaniline (PANI) solely confined within the nanopores of a metal–organic framework (MOF) without forming obvious bulk PANI between MOF crystals is developed. A water-stable zirconium-based MOF, UiO-66-NH₂, is selected as the MOF material. The polymerization of aniline is initiated in the acidic suspension of UiO-66-NH₂ nanocrystals in the presence of excess poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS). Since the pore size of UiO-66-NH₂ is too small to enable the insertion of the bulky PSS, the quick formation of pore-confined solid PANI and the slower formation of well dispersed PANI:PSS occur within the MOF crystals and in the bulk solution, respectively. By taking advantage of the resulting homogeneous PANI:PSS polymer solution, the bulk PANI:PSS can be removed from the PANI/UiO-66-NH₂ solid by successive washing the sample with fresh acidic solutions through centrifugation. As this is the first time reporting the PANI solely confined in the pores of a MOF, as a demonstration, the obtained PANI/UiO-66-NH₂ composite material is applied as the electrode material for supercapacitors. The PANI/UiO-66-NH₂ thin films exhibit a pseudocapacitive electrochemical characteristic, and their resulting electrochemical activity and charge-storage capacities are remarkably higher than those of the bulk PANI thin films.     

Facilitated Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction in Aerobic Environment on a Copper-Porphyrin Metal–Organic Framework

Herein, we fabricated a π–π stacking hybrid photocatalyst by combining two two-dimensional (2D) materials: g-C₃N₄ and a Cu-porphyrin metal–organic framework (MOF). After an aerobic photocatalytic pretreatment, this hybrid catalyst exhibited an unprecedented ability to photocatalytically reduce CO₂ to CO and CH₄ under the typical level (20 %) of O₂ in the air. Intriguingly, the presence of O₂ did not suppress CO₂ reduction; instead, a fivefold increase compared with that in the absence of O₂ was observed. Structural analysis indicated that during aerobic pretreatment, the Cu node in the 2D-MOF moiety was hydroxylated by the hydroxyl generated from the reduction of O₂. Then the formed hydroxylated Cu node maintained its structure during aerobic CO₂ reduction, whereas it underwent structural alteration and was reductively devitalized in the absence of O₂. Theoretical calculations further demonstrated that CO₂ reduction, instead of O₂ reduction, occurred preferentially on the hydroxylated Cu node.     

Surface-Deactivated Core–Shell Metal–Organic Framework by Simple Ligand Exchange for Enhanced Size Discrimination in Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are an attractive catalyst support for stable immobilization of the active sites in their scaffold due to the high tunability of organic ligands. The active site-functionalized ligands can be easily employed to construct MOFs as porous heterogeneous catalysts. However, the existence of active sites on the external surfaces as well as internal pores of MOFs seriously impedes the selective reaction in the pore. Herein, through a simple post-synthetic ligand exchange (PSE) method we synthesized surface-deactivated (only core-active) core–shell-type MOF catalysts, which contain 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO) groups on the ligand as active sites for aerobic oxidation of alcohols. The porous but catalytically inactive shell ensured the size-selective permeability by sieving effects and induced all reactions to take place in the pores of the catalytically active core. Because PSE is a facile and universal approach, this can be rapidly applied to a variety of MOF-based catalysts for enhancing reaction selectivity.     

Photophysics of Azobenzene Constrained in a UiO Metal–Organic Framework: Effects of Pressure,Solvation and Dynamic Disorder

Photophysical studies of chromophoric linkers in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are undertaken commonly in the context of sensing applications, in search of readily observable changes of optical properties in response to external stimuli. The advantages of the MOF construct as a platform for investigating fundamental photophysical behaviour have been somewhat overlooked. The linker framework offers a unique environment in which the chromophore is geometrically constrained and its structure can be determined crystallographically, but it exists in spatial isolation, unperturbed by inter-chromophore interactions. Furthermore, high-pressure studies enable the photophysical consequences of controlled, incremental changes in local environment or conformation to be observed and correlated with structural data. This approach is demonstrated in the present study of the trans-azobenzene chromophore, constrained in the form of the 4,4’-azobenzenedicarboxylate (abdc) linker, in a UiO topology framework. Previously unobserved effects of pressure-induced solvation and conformational distortion on the lowest energy, nπ* transition are reported, and interpreted the light of crystallographic data. It was found that trans-azobenzene remains non-fluorescent (with a quantum yield less than 10⁻⁴) despite the prevention of trans-cis isomerization by the constraining MOF structure. We propose that efficient non-radiative decay is mediated by the local, pedal-like twisting of the azo group that is evident as dynamic disorder in the crystal structure.     

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Two Coordination Polymers Based on a Flexible Ligand N,N＇-Diacetic Acid Imidazolium

Two coordination compounds with a flexible ligand N,N?-diacetic acid imidazolium(HDAM),{[Co(trans-DAM)(bipy)(H2O)2](OH)·4H2O}n 1 and {[Cd(trans-DAM)(bipy)(H2O)](NO3)?2H2O}n 2(bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine),were prepared and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.Compound 1 crystallizes in monoclinic,space group P2/n with a = 7.589(6),b = 11.444(2),c = 12.894(3),β = 90.99(3)°,V = 1119.8(4)3,Z = 4,C8.5H14N2O5.5Co0.5,Mr = 261.68,Dc = 1.552 g/cm3,F(000) = 546,μ = 0.832 mm-1,the final R = 0.0657 and wR = 0.1958.Compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic C2 space group with a = 17.479(4),b = 11.689(2),c = 11.670(2),β = 117.13(3)°,V = 2121.9(7)3,Z = 4,C17H21N5O10Cd,Mr = 567.79,Dc = 1.777 g/cm3,F(000) = 1144,μ = 1.096 mm-1,the final R = 0.0233 and wR = 0.0638.In 1,the Co(II) ions are linked by μ2-trans-DAM-and bipy ligands to build a 2D(4,4) rectangular grid layer,exhibiting a 4-connected sql net.As for 2,μ3-trans-DAM-and bipy bridge Cd(II) ions form a 2D double-layer,consisting of a couple of(4,4) grid layers,which can be viewed as a(3,4)-connected network.In both compounds,the 2D structures are stabilized by hydrogen bonding interactions to give 3D supramolecular frameworks.Additionally,FT-IR spectroscopy,UV-Visible spectroscopy,and the fluorescent properties are discussed.     

Dynamic Studies on Kinetic H2/D2 Quantum Sieving in a Narrow Pore Metal–Organic Framework Grown on a Sensor Chip

The separation of deuterium from hydrogen still remains a challenging and industrially relevant task. Compared to traditional cryogenic methods for separation, based on different boiling points of H₂ and D₂, the use of ultramicroporous materials offers a more efficient alternative method. Due to their rigid structures, permanently high porosity, tunable pore sizes and adjustable internal surface properties, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of porous materials built through the coordination between organic linkers and metal ions/clusters, are more suitable for this approach than zeolites or carbon-based materials. Herein, dynamic gas flow studies on H₂/D₂ quantum sieving in MFU-4, a metal-organic framework with ultra-narrow pores of 2.5 Å, are presented. A specially designed sensor with a very fast response based on surface acoustic waves is used. On-chip measurements of diffusion rates in the temperature range 27–207 K reveal a quantum sieving effect, with D₂ diffusing faster than H₂ below 64 K and the opposite selectivity above this temperature. The experimental results obtained are confirmed by molecular dynamic simulation regarding quantum sieving of H₂ and D₂ on MOFs for which a flexible framework approach was used for the first time.     

Signal-Induced Release of Guests from a Photolatent Metal–Phenolic Supramolecular Cage and Its Hybrid Assemblies

The coordination chemistry of plant polyphenols and metal ions can be used for coating various substrates and for creating modular superstructures. We herein explored this chemistry for the controlled release of guests from mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). The selective adsorption of tannic acids (TAs) on MSN silica walls opens the MSN mesoporous channels without disturbing mass transport. The channel may be closed by the coordination of TA with Cu^II ions. Upon exposure to light, photolysis of Trojan horse guests (photoacid generators, PAGs) leads to acid generation, which enables the release of payloads by decomposing the outer coordination shell consisting of TA and Cu^II. We also fabricated a modular assembly of MSNs on glass substrates. The photoresponsive release characteristics of the resulting film are similar to those of the individual MSNs. This method is a fast and facile strategy for producing photoresponsive nanocontainers by non-covalent engineering of MSN surfaces that should be suitable for various applications in materials science.