Mixed‐Metal MOFs: Unique Opportunities in Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) Functionality and Design

Mixed‐metal metal–organic frameworks (MM‐MOFs) can be considered to be those MOFs having two different metals anywhere in the structure. Herein we summarize the various strategies for the preparation of MM‐MOFs and some of their applications in adsorption, gas separation, and catalysis. It is shown that compared to homometallic MOFs, MM‐MOFs bring about the opportunity to take advantage of the complexity and the synergism derived from the presence of different metal ions in the structure of MOFs. This is reflected in a superior performance and even stability of MM‐MOFs respect to related single‐metal MOFs. Emphasis is made on the use of MM‐MOFs as catalysts for tandem reactions.     

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.     

Encapsulating Perovskite Quantum Dots in Iron‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Efficient Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction

Improving the stability of lead halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) in a system containing water is the key for their practical application in artificial photosynthesis. Herein, we encapsulate low‐cost CH₃NH₃PbI₃ (MAPbI₃) perovskite QDs in the pores of earth‐abundant Fe‐porphyrin based metal organic framework (MOF) PCN‐221(Fe_x) by a sequential deposition route, to construct a series of composite photocatalysts of MAPbI₃@PCN‐221(Fe_x) (x=0–1). Protected by the MOF the composite photocatalysts exhibit much improved stability in reaction systems containing water. The close contact of QDs to the Fe catalytic site in the MOF, allows the photogenerated electrons in the QDs to transfer rapidly the Fe catalytic sites to enhance the photocatalytic activity for CO₂ reduction. Using water as an electron source, MAPbI₃@PCN‐221(Fe_0.2) exhibits a record‐high total yield of 1559 μmol g^?1 for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction to CO (34 %) and CH₄ (66 %), 38 times higher than that of PCN‐221(Fe_0.2) in the absence of perovskite QDs.     

Enhanced Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Oxidation on Ni/NiO/C Derived from a Nickel‐Based Metal–Organic Framework

The sluggish hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) under alkaline conditions has hindered the commercialization of hydroxide‐exchange membrane hydrogen fuel cells. A low‐cost Ni/NiO/C catalyst with abundant Ni/NiO interfacial sites was developed as a competent HOR electrocatalyst in alkaline media. Ni/NiO/C exhibits an HOR activity one order of magnitude higher than that of its parent Ni/C counterpart. Moreover, Ni/NiO/C also shows better stability and CO tolerance than commercial Pt/C in alkaline media, which renders it a very promising HOR electrocatalyst for hydrogen fuel cell applications. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were also performed to shed light on the enhanced HOR performance of Ni/NiO/C; the DFT results indicate that both hydrogen and hydroxide achieve optimal binding energies at the Ni/NiO interface, resulting from the balanced electronic and oxophilic effects at the Ni/NiO interface.     

A Noble‐Metal‐Free Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) Catalyst for the Highly Efficient Conversion of CO2 with Propargylic Alcohols

Cyclization of propargylic alcohols with CO₂ is an important reaction in industry, and noble‐metal catalysts are often employed to ensure the high product yields under environmentally friendly conditions. Herein a porous noble‐metal‐free framework 1 with large 1D channels of 1.66 nm diameter was synthesized for this reaction. Compound 1 exhibits excellent acid/base stability, and is even stable in corrosive triethylamine for one month. Catalytic studies indicate that 1 is an effective catalyst for the cyclization of propargylic alcohols and CO₂ without any solvents under mild conditions, and the turnover number (TON) can reach to a record value of 14 400. Furthermore, this MOF catalyst also has rarely seen catalytic activity when the biological macromolecule ethisterone was used as a substrate. Mechanistic studies reveal that the synergistic catalytic effect between Cu^I and In^III plays a key role in the conversion of CO₂.     

An Ultrastable Metal Azolate Framework with Binding Pockets for Optimal Carbon Dioxide Capture

In the evolution of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for carbon capture, a lasting challenge is to strike a balance between high uptake capacity/selectivity and low energy cost for regeneration. Meanwhile, these man‐made materials have to survive from practical demands such as stability under harsh conditions and feasibility of scale‐up synthesis. Reported here is a new MOF, Zn(imPim) (aka. MAF‐stu‐1), with an imidazole derivative ligand, featuring binding pockets that can accommodate CO₂ molecules in a fit‐like‐a‐glove manner. Such a high degree of shape complementarity allows direct observation of the loaded CO₂ in the pockets, and warrants its optimal carbon capture performances exceeding the best‐performing MOFs nowadays. Coupled with the record thermal (up to 680 °C) and chemical stability, as well as rapid large‐scale production, both encoded in the material design, Zn(imPim) represents a most competitive candidate to tackle the immediate problems of carbon dioxide capture.     

Self‐Assembly of Metal–Organic Frameworks into Monolithic Materials with Highly Controlled Trimodal Pore Structures

We present a two‐step template‐free approach toward monolithic materials with controlled trimodal porous structures with macro‐, meso‐, and micropores. Our method relies on two ordering processes in discrete length scales: 1) Spontaneous formation of macroporous structures in monolithic materials by the sol–gel process through the short‐range ordered self‐assembly of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), and 2) reorganization of the framework structures in a mediator solution. The Zr‐terephthalate‐based MOF (UiO‐66‐NH₂) was adopted as a proof of concept. The self‐assembly‐induced phase separation process offered interconnected macropores with diameters ranging from 0.9 to 1.8 μm. The subsequent reorganization process converted the microporous structure from low crystalline framework to crystalline UiO‐66. The resultant mesopore size within the skeletons was controlled in the range from 9 to 21 nm. This approach provides a novel way of designing spaces from nano‐ to micrometer scale in network‐forming materials.