Synergetic catalytic effect in functionalized HP-MOF system for boosted catalytic performances

Abstract

A collection of hierarchically porous Zr-based MOFs with precisely adjusted acid-base properties were synthesized and characterized using PXRD, FT-IR, NMR, and TGA techniques, confirming phase purity and structural integrity. The catalytic potential of these materials was investigated through CO2 cycloaddition with epoxides. The results indicated that increasing the mixed-ligand ratio to 1:1-NH2BDC/BDC gradually enhanced the catalytic activity, but further increasing NH2BDC had an inverse effect. The optimized mixed-ligand ratio suggests that HP-UiO-66(1:1) is among the top catalyst choices. The catalytic efficiency and effectiveness of HP-UiO-66(1:1) were further validated through reactions with six other organic epoxides, including epichlorohydrin, butylene oxide, isobutylene oxide, styrene oxide, 1,2-epoxydecane, and 1,2-epoxydodecane. All substrates exhibited notably high conversions and yields using HP-UiO-66(1:1) catalyst, demonstrating that strategically combining functionalized linkers enhances the catalytic performance and tunability of HP-UiO-66-based MOF catalysts.