Flexible Porous Coordination Polymer Research Articles

Luminescence detection of CH2Cl2 by varying Cu⋯Cu interactions in a flexible porous coordination polymer

A flexible Cu(i) coordination polymer is reported as the luminescence sensor for the detection of CH2Cl2. The adsorption of guest molecules lengthens the Cu⋯Cu distance, resulting in luminescent blue shifts and higher emission energy.

Nitroxyl radical-containing flexible porous coordination polymer for controllable size-aelective aerobic oxidation of alcohols.

The ability of flexible porous coordination polymers (PCPs) to change their structure in response to various stimuli has not been exploited in the design of tunable-selectivity catalysts. Herein, we make use of this ability and prepare nitroxyl radical-containing flexible PCP that can reversibly switch between large- and contracted-pore configurations in response to solvent change and thus promote the controllable size-selective aerobic oxidation of alcohols.

Xylene Recognition in Flexible Porous Coordination Polymer by Guest-Dependent Structural Transition.

Xylene isomers are crucial chemical intermediates in great demand worldwide; the almost identical physicochemical properties render their current separation approach energy consuming. In this study, we utilized the soft porous coordination polymer (PCP)'s isomer-specific structural transformation, realizing o-xylene (oX) recognition/separation from the binary and ternary isomer mixtures. This PCP has a flexible structure that contains flexible aromatic pendant groups, which both work as recognition sites and induce structural flexibility of the global framework. The PCP exhibits guest-triggered "breathing"-type structural changes, which are accompanied by the rearrangement of the intraframework π-π interaction. By rebuilding π-π stacking with isomer species, the PCP discriminated oX from the other isomers by its specific guest-loading configuration and separated oX from the isomer mixture via selective adsorption. The xylene-selective property of the PCP is dependent on the solvent; in diluted hexane solution, the PCP favors p-xylene (pX) uptake. The separation results combined with crystallographic analyses revealed the effect of the isomer selectivity of the PCP on xylene isomer separation via structural transition and demonstrated its potential as a versatile selective adsorptive medium for challenging separations.

Impact of Crystal Size and Morphology on Switchability Characteristics in Pillared-Layer Metal-Organic Framework DUT-8(Ni).

Variation of the crystallite size in flexible porous coordination polymers can significantly influence or even drastically change the flexibility characteristics. The impact of crystal morphology, however, on the dynamic properties of flexible metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is poorly investigated so far. In the present work, we systematically modulated the particle size of a model gate pressure MOF (DUT-8(Ni), Ni2(2,6-ndc)2(dabco), 2,6-ndc−2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate, dabco−1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) and investigated the influence of the aspect ratio, length, and width of anisotropically shaped crystals on the gate opening characteristics. DUT-8 is a member of the pillared-layer MOF family, showing reversible structural transition, i.e., upon nitrogen physisorption at 77 K. The framework crystalizes as rod-like shaped crystals in conventional synthesis. To understand which particular crystal surfaces dominate the phenomena observed, crystals similar in size and differing in morphology were involved in a systematic study. The analysis of the data shows that the width of the rods (corresponding to the crystallographic directions along the layer) represents a critical parameter governing the dynamic properties upon adsorption of nitrogen at 77 K. This observation is related to the anisotropy of the channel-like pore system and the nucleation mechanism of the solid-solid phase transition triggered by gas adsorption.

A Temporarily Pore-Openable Porous Coordination Polymer for Guest Adsorption/Desorption.

Flexible porous coordination polymers (PCPs)/metal-organic frameworks are unique materials that have potential applications as components of highly efficient separation, sensor, and actuator systems. In general, the structures of flexible PCPs drastically change upon guest loading. In this investigation, we uncovered the rare one-dimensional PCP [Cu2(bza)4(2-apyr)] (1; bza = benzoate and 2-apyr = 2-aminopyrimidine), which exhibits a unique type of flexibility involving temporary pore opening. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that desolvated 1 and ethyl acetate (AcOEt)-loaded (1·AcOEt) and CO2-loaded (1·CO2) 1 have isolated pores. In the case of 1, the pore structure prevents guest penetration. In addition, the isolated pore structures of 1·AcOEt and 1·CO2 block guest release. However, 1 participates in reversible adsorption/desorption of AcOEt and CO2 because pore opening occurs temporarily. The CO2 adsorption/desorption isotherms of 1 are type I and dissimilar to those observed in traditional flexible PCPs with adsorption/desorption hysteresis. The lesser conventional flexibility displayed by 1 could offer new insight into the design of flexible PCPs.

Crystal Flexibility Design through Local and Global Motility Cooperation.

Incorporating local mobility into a flexible framework promises to create cooperative properties unattainable in a conventional soft porous crystal. In this study, we propose a design strategy that integrates substituent moieties and a flexible porous crystal framework via intra-framework π-π interactions. This integration not only facilitates framework structural transitions but also gives the porous coordination polymers (PCPs) different guest-free structures that depend on the activation conditions. The incorporated flexibility gives the material the ability to discriminate C6 alkane isomers based on different gate-opening behaviors. Thus, the PCP has potential applications in C6 isomer separation, a critical step in the petroleum refining process to produce gasoline with high octane rating. This strategy, based on ligand designability, offers a new approach to flexible PCP structural and functional design.

Crystal Flexibility Design through Local and Global Motility Cooperation

AbstractIncorporating local mobility into a flexible framework promises to create cooperative properties unattainable in a conventional soft porous crystal. In this study, we propose a design strategy that integrates substituent moieties and a flexible porous crystal framework via intra‐framework π–π interactions. This integration not only facilitates framework structural transitions but also gives the porous coordination polymers (PCPs) different guest‐free structures that depend on the activation conditions. The incorporated flexibility gives the material the ability to discriminate C6 alkane isomers based on different gate‐opening behaviors. Thus, the PCP has potential applications in C6 isomer separation, a critical step in the petroleum refining process to produce gasoline with high octane rating. This strategy, based on ligand designability, offers a new approach to flexible PCP structural and functional design.

Nanoparticles fabrication from as-synthesized two dimensional Zn(II) coordination polymer

Ag, Au and Cu NPs have been encapsulated within as-synthesized 2D flexible porous coordination polymer {[Zn(TBIB)(HTCPB)]∙2DMF·H2O}n [TBIB = 1,3,5-tri(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)benzene, H3TCPB = 1,3,5-Tris(4′-carboxyphenyl-)benzene] 1 at room temperature without employing any reducing agent. Presence of monodentate carboxylate along with the non-coordinated carboxylic acid groups (−COOH) are the main driving forces towards the synthesis of NPs from the polymer. Ag and Cu NPs synthesis takes place through acid formation (HNO3/HCl) while Au NPs have been synthesized by the redox activity of the polymer, elucidated by the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Chemical and physical characteristics of the NPs have been provided by HRTEM. The coordination polymer not only synthesizes the NPs but also prevents them from agglomeration acting as a protective membrane to store fabricated NPs. Magnetic measurements show that all of the NPs integrated polymers reveal ferromagnetic properties at room temperature.

Single-side and double-side swing behaviours of a flexible porous coordination polymer with a rhombic-lattice structure

A rhombic porous coordination polymer can show special reversible–irreversible structural transformations with single-side and double-side swing, as well as sophisticated bond reconstitution behaviours.

Synthesis of non-toxic As and Cr nanoparticles through redox activity of highly flexible layered coordination polymer of Ni(II)

A simple method for the sequestration of As(III) and Cr(VI) from water has been demonstrated by utilizing a highly flexible porous coordination polymer (PCP) of Ni(II) in its as synthesized form or without solvent removal. This PCP reduces the high toxicity of As(III) and Cr(VI) ions into non-toxic As(0) and Cr/Cr2O3/CrO2 (zero, tri and tetravalent) nanoparticles (NPs) within its pores, and this is characterized by powder x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis. The high functionality of this polymer is due to the presence of monodentate carboxylate groups of a benzenetricarboxylate linker, which provide anchoring sites to the metal ions of the metal precursors. Due to the highly oxidising nature of these toxic ions, a redox reaction takes place between the framework metal ions and toxic metal ions, which is explained by an electron paramagnetic resonance study. This is the first report to synthesize non-toxic, as well as useful, NPs of As and Cr from their highly toxic ions within the cavities of a PCP for remediation of the toxic waste stream and contaminated waste water.

Breathing 3D Frameworks with T-Shaped Connecting Ligand Exhibiting Solvent Induction, Metal Ions Effect and Luminescent Properties

To study the structural effects in three-dimensional porous coordination polymers, three novel flexible porous coordination polymers—[Cd2(bpdc)2](DMF)3(H2O) (1) and [M(bpdc)](DMF)(H2O) (M = Cd (2), Zn (3))—have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions with d10 block metal ions and T-shaped connecting ligand. Complexes 1–3 crystallize in different space groups, but they display the same ant network. The first two complexes can transform into each other via the alteration of guest, whereas complex 3 shows no structural change. The structural details reveal that the size of metal ions might be responsible for the transformation of porous frameworks. Furthermore, luminescent properties have been explored, and a guest-dependent shift of emission peaks was observed, suggesting potential application of the complexes as a probe.

Flexible porous coordination polymer of Ni(II) for developing nanoparticles through acid formation and redox activity of the framework

Immobilization of the nanoparticles (NPs) in a two dimensional porous coordination polymer (PCP) is currently an emerging field for a number of applications. But still it is a great challenge to fabricate any specified metal NPs in a single network. Herein the synthesis of Au, Pd, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mg, Li, Fe/Cu, Zn/Mg etc, NPs in a highly flexible PCP of Ni(II); {[Ni3(TBIB)2(BTC)2(H2O)6]·5C2H5OH·9H2O}n [TBIB = 1,3,5-tri(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)benzene, H3BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid] have been reported. This universal host is able to grow mixed metal NPs from mixed metal precursors. Monodentate carboxylate groups of BTC linker act as anchoring sites for the metal ions of the metal precursors. This is the main driving force to grow NPs within the cavities along with the high flexibility of this polymer at room temperature. Mechanism involves acid formation followed by redox reaction to synthesize metal NPs explained by EPR and FTIR. Paramagnetic properties have been shown by as-synthesized Fe NPs integrated framework at room temperature under applied magnetic field up to 17,500Oe.

Ag/AgO Nanoparticles Grown via Time Dependent Double Mechanism in a 2D Layered Ni-PCP and Their Antibacterial Efficacy

A simple synthesis route for growth of Ag/AgO nanoparticles (NPs) in large quantitative yields with narrow size distribution from a functional, non-activated, Ni (II) based highly flexible porous coordination polymer (PCP) as a template has been demonstrated. This template is a stable storage media for the NPs larger than the pore diameters of the PCP. From EPR study it was concluded that NPs were synthesized via two mechanisms i.e. acid formation and the redox activity of the framework. Size range of Ag/AgO NPs is sensitive to choice of solvent and reaction time. Direct use of Ag/AgO@Ni-PCP shows influential growth inhibition towards Escherichia coli and the pathogen Salmonella typhimurium at extremely low concentrations. The pristine template shows no cytotoxic activity, even though it contains Ni nodes in the framework.

Flexible Porous Coordination Polymers from Divergent Photoluminescent 4-Oxo-1,8-naphthalimide Ligands.

Two new luminescent ditopic naphthalimide-derived ligands, N-(4-cyanophenylmethylene)-4-(4-cyanophenoxy)-1,8-naphthalimide (L3) and N-(4-carboxyphenylmethylene)-4-(4-carboxyphenoxy)-1,8-naphthalimide (H2L4), have been prepared, and their coordination chemistry has been explored in the synthesis of three new coordination polymer materials. Complex poly-[Ag(L3)2]BF4·4.5H2O·0.5THF (1) is a 3-fold 2D → 2D parallel interpenetrated coordination polymer in which three interwoven sheets define inter- and intralayer channels containing anions and solvent molecules. Molecules of L3 interact in 1 through dominant head-to-head π-π stacking interactions, in an opposite aggregation mode to that observed in the free ligand in the crystalline phase. Complexes poly-[Cu(L4)(OH2)]·2DMF·0.5H2O (2) and poly-[Cd2(L4)2(OH2)2]·1.5DMF·3H2O (3) are related noninterpenetrated two-dimensional coordination polymers defined by one-dimensional metal-carboxylate chains, forming layers that interdigitate with adjacent networks through naphthalimide π-π interactions. Both materials undergo structural rearrangements on solvent exchange with acetonitrile; in the case of 3, this transformation can be followed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, revealing the structure of the acetonitrile solvate poly-[Cd2(OH2)2(L4)2]·2MeCN (4), which shows a significant compression of the primary channels to accommodate the solvent guest molecules. Both materials display modest CO2 adsorption after complete evacuation, and the original expanded phases can be regenerated by reimmersion in DMF. The photophysical properties of each ligand and complex were also explored, which revealed variations in emission wavelength, based on solid-state interactions, including a notable shift in the fluorescence emission band of 3 upon structural rearrangement to 4.

An Adsorbate Discriminatory Gate Effect in a Flexible Porous Coordination Polymer for Selective Adsorption of CO2 over C2H2.

The adsorptive separation of C2H2 and CO2 via porous materials is nontrivial due to the close similarities of their boiling points and kinetic diameters. In this work, we describe a new flexible porous coordination polymer (PCP) [Mn(bdc)(dpe)] (H2bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, dpe = 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethylene) having zero-dimensional pores, which shows an adsorbate discriminatory gate effect. The compound shows gate opening type abrupt adsorption for C2H2 but not for CO2, leading to an appreciable selective adsorption of CO2 over C2H2 at near ambient temperature (273 K). The origin of this unique selectivity, as unveiled by in situ adsorption-X-ray diffraction experiments and density functional theory calculations, is due to vastly different orientations between the phenylene ring of bdc and each gas in the nanopores. The structural change by photochemical transformation of this PCP via [2 + 2] photodimerization leads to the removal of inverse CO2/C2H2 selectivity, verifying the mechanism of the guest discriminatory gate effect.

A Convenient Strategy for Designing a Soft Nanospace: An Atomic Exchange in a Ligand with Isostructural Frameworks

Direct observation of gas molecules confined in the nanospace of porous materials by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SXRD) technique is significant because it leads to deep insight into the adsorption mechanism and the actual state of the adsorbents in molecular level. A recent study revealed that flexibility is one of the important factors to achieve periodic guest accommodation in the nanospace enabling direct observation of gas molecules. Here, we report a convenient strategy to tune the framework flexibility by just an atomic exchange in a ligand, which enables us to easily construct a soft nanospace as the best platform to study gas adsorption. Indeed, we succeeded to observe C2H2 and CO2 molecules confined in the pores of a flexible porous coordination polymer (PCP-N) in different configurations using SXRD measurement, whereas gas molecules in a rigid framework (PCP-C) isostructural to PCP-N were not seen crystallographically. The result of the coincident in situ powder X-ray diffraction and adsorption measurement for PCP-N unambiguously showed that the framework could flexibly transform to trap gas molecules with a commensurate fashion. In addition, for PCP-N, we found that the adsorbed gas molecules induced significant structural change involving dimensional change of the pore from one-dimensional to three-dimensional, and subsequently, additional gas molecules formed periodic molecular clusters in the nanospace.

Effect of Solvent Molecule in Pore for Flexible Porous Coordination Polymer upon Gas Adsorption and Iodine Encapsulation.

Four new Zn(II)-coordination polymers, namely, [Zn2(μ6-ao2btc)(μ-obix)2]n (1), [Zn2(μ4-ao2btc)(μ-obix)2]n (2), [Zn2(μ4-ao2btc)(μ-mbix)2]n (3), and {[Zn2(μ4-ao2btc)(μ-pbix)2] · 2DMF · 8H2O}n (4), where ao2btc = dioxygenated form of 3,3',5,5'-azobenzenetetracarboxylate and obix, mbix, and pbix = 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, have been synthesized with azobenzenetetracarboxylic acid and isomeric bis(imidazole) ligands and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, and thermal analyses. X-ray results showed that 1, 2, and 4 had two-dimensional structures with 3,4L13 topology, while 3 was a three-dimensional coordination polymer with bbf topology. For 4, two types of activation strategies, solvent exchange + heating (which produced 4a) and direct heating (which produced 4b), were used to investigate the effect of a guest molecule in a flexible framework. Gas adsorption and iodine encapsulation properties of activated complexes were studied. The CO2 uptake capacities for 4a and 4b were 3.62% and 9.50%, respectively, and Langmuir surface areas calculated from CO2 isotherms were 167.4 and 350.7 m(2)/g, respectively. Moreover, 4b exhibited 19.65% and 15.27% iodine uptake in vapor phase and cyclohexane solution, respectively, which corresponded to 1.47 and 0.97 molecules of iodine/formula unit, respectively. Moreover, photoluminescence properties of the complexes were studied.

Control of Molecular Rotor Rotational Frequencies in Porous Coordination Polymers Using a Solid-Solution Approach

Rational design to control the dynamics of molecular rotors in crystalline solids is of interest because it offers advanced materials with precisely tuned functionality. Herein, we describe the control of the rotational frequency of rotors in flexible porous coordination polymers (PCPs) using a solid-solution approach. Solid-solutions of the flexible PCPs [{Zn(5-nitroisophthalate)x(5-methoxyisophthalate)1-x(deuterated 4,4'-bipyridyl)}(DMF·MeOH)]n allow continuous modulation of cell volume by changing the solid-solution ratio x. Variation of the isostructures provides continuous changes in the local environment around the molecular rotors (pyridyl rings of the 4,4'-bipyridyl group), leading to the control of the rotational frequency without the need to vary the temperature.

High CO2 /CH4 Selectivity of a Flexible Copper(II) Porous Coordination Polymer under Humid Conditions.

The development of highly efficient CO2 separation materials is very important for environmental preservation and energy conservation. Crystalline porous coordination polymers (PCPs)/metal-organic frameworks are one of a number of promising types of porous materials for CO2 separation because of their controllable pore size, shape and surface function. Simultaneously, the unique structural flexibility of PCPs affords both high CO2 selectivity and inexpensive regeneration. However, this family of materials suffers from the coexistence of water that destroys the framework of PCPs and its adsorption in the pores is greater than that of CO2 , which results in a deterioration in CO2 -separation performance. Herein, a flexible and hydrophobic CuII PCP that is stable towards water has been designed and synthesised. This PCP has extremely high adsorption selectivity for CO2 over CH4 , derived from its structural flexibility. Furthermore, the obtained water-tolerant flexible PCP, under CO2 /CH4 mixed-gas conditions, exhibits highly selective CO2 adsorption over CH4 , even in the presence of water.

Supramolecular-jack-like guest in ultramicroporous crystal for exceptional thermal expansion behaviour.

The dynamic behaviours of host frameworks and guest molecules have received much attention for their great relevance with smart materials, but little has been developed to control or understand the host–guest interplay. Here we show that the confined guest can utilize not only molecular static effects but also bulk dynamic properties to control the host dynamics. By virtue of the three-dimensional hinge-like framework and quasi-discrete ultramicropores, a flexible porous coordination polymer exhibits not only drastic guest-modulation effect of the thermal expansion magnitude (up to 422 × 10−6 K−1) and even the anisotropy but also records positive/negative thermal expansion coefficients of +482/−218 × 10−6 K−1. Moreover, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses demonstrate that the jack-like motion of the guest supramolecular dimers, being analogous to the anisotropic thermal expansion of bulk van der Waals solids, is crucial for changing the flexibility mode and thermal expansion behaviour of the crystal.