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

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

Direct Conversion of Bulk Metals to Size‐Tailored,Monodisperse Spherical Non‐Coinage‐Metal Nanocrystals

Monodisperse non‐noble metal nanocrystals (NCs) that are highly uniform in shapes and particle size are much desired in various advanced applications, and are commonly prepared by either thermal decomposition or reduction, where reactive organometallic precursors or/and strong reducing agents are mandatory; however, these are usually toxic, costly, or suffer a lack of availability. Bulk Group 12 metals can now be converted into ligand‐protected, highly crystalline, monodisperse spherical metal NCs with precisely controlled sizes without using any precursors and reducers. The method is based on low‐power NIR‐laser‐induced size‐selective layer‐by‐layer surface vaporization. The monodisperse Cd NCs show pronounced deep‐UV (DUV) localized surface plasmon resonance making them highly competitive DUV‐plasmonic materials. This approach will promote appreciably the emergence of a wide range of monodisperse technically important non‐coinage metal NCs with compelling functionalities.     

A C3‐Symmetric Macrocycle‐Based,Hydrogen‐Bonded,Multiporous Hexagonal Network as a Motif of Porous Molecular Crystals

A C₃‐symmetric π‐conjugated macrocycle combined with an appropriate hydrogen bonding module (phenylene triangle) allowed the construction of crystalline supramolecular frameworks with a cavity volume of up to 58 %. The frameworks were obtained through non‐interpenetrated stacking of a hexagonal sheet possessing three kinds of pores with different sizes and shapes. The activated porous material absorbed CO₂ up to 96 cm³ g⁻¹ at 195 K under 1 atm.