Ultrasonic-Assisted Linker Exchange (USALE): A Novel Post-Synthesis Method for Controlling the Functionality,Porosity, and Morphology of MOFs

The introduction of organic ligands into metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with a specific topology and that cannot be attained by direct synthesis is a big challenge. To meet this challenge, different ligand exchange/incorporation methods have been employed. Here, a new method, called ultrasonic-assisted linker exchange (USALE), has been developed to overcome the above-mentioned problems. USALE is a novel method for ligand exchange based on the use of ultrasonic waves. The temperature and pressure caused by the USALE method in microscopic zones are so intense that the linker exchange process is much faster than with other methods. In addition to saving time during synthesis, the use of the USALE method leads to a higher surface area and pore volume compared with other methods such as solvent-assisted linker exchange (SALE). In this way, improved gas adsorption capacity has been achieved for daughter frameworks synthesized by the USALE method. By using the USALE method, we have transformed a nonporous and easy-to-synthesize TMU framework ([Zn(OBA)(BPDB)0.5]n ⋅ 2DMF (TMU-4), in which H2OBA=4,4′-oxybis(benzoic acid) and BPDB=1,4-di(4-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene) into another porous framework ([Zn(OBA)(H2DPT)0.5]n ⋅ DMF (TMU-34), in which H2DPT=3,6-di(4-pyridyl)-1,4-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine) that otherwise requires a relatively long time to synthesize. In addition to reducing the synthesis time for TMU-34 (in comparison with both direct sonochemical synthesis and the indirect SALE method), the data obtained revealed that the daughter TMU-34 framework synthesized by the USALE method has a higher surface area and accessible pore volume than TMU-34 frameworks synthesized by SALE and direct methods. The application of SALE-TMU-34 and USALE-TMU-34 in a catalytic Henry condensation reaction and Congo Red adsorption experiments showed that the higher porosity of USALE-TMU-34 leads to a higher turn-over frequency and saturation capacity compared with SALE-TMU-34.