Inorganic Secondary Building Units Research Articles

Solution Processable Metal-Organic Frameworks: Synthesis Strategy and Applications.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), constructed by inorganic secondary building units with organic linkers via reticular chemistry, inherently suffer from poor solution processability due to their insoluble nature, resulting from their extensive crystalline networks and structural rigidity. The ubiquitous occurrence of precipitation and agglomeration of MOFs upon formation poses a significant obstacle to the scale-up production of MOF-based monolith, aerogels, membranes, and electronic devices, thus restricting their practical applications in various scenarios. To address the previously mentioned challenge, significant strides have been achieved over the past decade in the development of various strategies aimed at preparing solution-processable MOF systems. In this review, the latest advance in the synthetic strategies for the construction of solution-processable MOFs, including direct dispersion in ionic liquids, surface modification, controllable calcination, and bottom-up synthesis, is comprehensively summarized. The respective advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed. Additionally, the intriguing applications of solution-processable MOF systems in the fields of liquid adsorbent, molecular capture, sensing, and separation are systematically discussed. Finally, the challenges and opportunities about the continued advancement of solution-processable MOFs and their potential applications are outlooked.

Magnetocaloric Properties in Rare-Earth-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks: Influence of Magnetic Density and Hydrostatic Pressure.

Magnetic refrigeration based on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in metal-organic frameworks (MOF) is regarded as an attractive approach to create more sustainable cooling systems with higher efficiency than traditional ones. Here, we report a study of the MCE in a series of rare-earth-based MOFs. We have considered the selection of the rare-earth cation by investigating materials belonging to the α-rare-earth polymeric framework-4 (α-RPF-4) MOF family, synthesized with different rare-earth cations, and observed that paramagnetic moment and saturation magnetization play an important role in enhancing the magnetic entropy change ΔSM. The effect of structural parameters has also been considered by investigating three classes of metal-organic Gd materials built up from different types of inorganic secondary building units, including clusters (as in Gd-UiO-66), one-dimensional (as in α-RPF-4), and layered (as in Gd-LRH) conformations. Moreover, the analysis of the hydrostatic pressure influence reveals a significant increase in the -ΔSM and relative cooling power (RCP) with values between 4.3 and 16.3 and 121-509 J/kg. Specifically, the RCPmax found was ∼683 J/kg for Gd-UiO-66, which is higher than the one recently observed for Gd2SiO5 (649.5 J/kg). The present study demonstrates that the engineering of metal-organic framework systems based on high Gd densities may favor enhancing of magnetocaloric responses even at low pressures, thus promoting a new design strategy for efficient cooling devices.

Reticular Chemistry in Its Chiral Form: Axially Chiral Zr(IV)-Spiro Metal-Organic Framework as a Case Study.

The interplay of primary organic ligands and inorganic secondary building units (SBUs) has led to a continual boom of reticular chemistry, particularly metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Subtle variations of organic ligands can have a significant impact on the ultimate structural topology and consequently, the material's function. However, the role of ligand chirality in reticular chemistry has rarely been explored. In this work, we report the organic ligand chirality-controlled synthesis of two zirconium-based MOFs (Spiro-1 and Spiro-3) with distinct topological structures as well as a temperature-controlled formation of a kinetically stable phase (Spiro-4) based on the carboxylate-functionalized inherently axially chiral 1,1'-spirobiindane-7,7'-phosphoric acid ligand. Specifically, Spiro-1 is a homochiral framework comprising only enantiopure S-spiro ligands and has a unique 4,8-connected sjt topology with large 3D interconnected cavities, while Spiro-3 contains equal amounts of S- and R-spiro ligands, resulting in a racemic framework of 6,12-connected edge-transitive alb topology with narrow channels. Interestingly, the kinetic product Spiro-4 obtained with racemic spiro ligands is built of both hexa- and nona-nuclear zirconium clusters acting as 9- and 6-connected nodes, respectively, giving rise to a newly discovered azs net. Notably, the preinstalled highly hydrophilic phosphoric acid groups combined with large cavity, high porosity, and outstanding chemical stability endow Spiro-1 with remarkable water vapor sorption performance, whereas Spiro-3 and Spiro-4 show poor performances due to inappropriate pore systems and structural fragility upon the water adsorption/desorption process. This work highlights the important role of ligand chirality in manipulating the framework topology and function and would further enrich the development of reticular chemistry.

Pressure-induced postsynthetic cluster anion substitution in a MIL-53 topology scandium metal-organic framework.

Postsynthetic modification of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has proven to be a hugely powerful tool to tune physical properties and introduce functionality, by exploiting reactive sites on both the MOF linkers and their inorganic secondary building units (SBUs), and so has facilitated a wide range of applications. Studies into the reactivity of MOF SBUs have focussed solely on removal of neutral coordinating solvents, or direct exchange of linkers such as carboxylates, despite the prevalence of ancillary charge-balancing oxide and hydroxide ligands found in many SBUs. Herein, we show that the μ2-OH ligands in the MIL-53 topology Sc MOF, GUF-1, are labile, and can be substituted for μ2-OCH3 units through reaction with pore-bound methanol molecules in a very rare example of pressure-induced postsynthetic modification. Using comprehensive solid-state NMR spectroscopic analysis, we show an order of magnitude increase in this cluster anion substitution process after exposing bulk samples suspended in methanol to a pressure of 0.8 GPa in a large volume press. Additionally, single crystals compressed in diamond anvil cells with methanol as the pressure-transmitting medium have enabled full structural characterisation of the process across a range of pressures, leading to a quantitative single-crystal to single-crystal conversion at 4.98 GPa. This unexpected SBU reactivity - in this case chemisorption of methanol - has implications across a range of MOF chemistry, from activation of small molecules for heterogeneous catalysis to chemical stability, and we expect cluster anion substitution to be developed into a highly convenient novel method for modifying the internal pore surface and chemistry of a range of porous materials.

Expanding the horizons of porphyrin metal-organic frameworks via catecholate coordination: exploring structural diversity, material stability and redox properties.

Porphyrin based Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have generated high interest because of their unique combination of light absorption, electron transfer and guest adsorption/desorption properties. In this study, we expand the range of available MOF materials by focusing on the seldom studied porphyrin ligand H10TcatPP, functionalized with tetracatecholate coordinating groups. A systematic evaluation of its reactivity with M(iii) cations (Al, Fe, and In) led to the synthesis and isolation of three novel MOF phases. Through a comprehensive characterization approach involving single crystal and powder synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) in combination with the local information gained from spectroscopic techniques, we elucidated the structural features of the solids, which are all based on different inorganic secondary building units (SBUs). All the synthesized MOFs demonstrate an accessible porosity, with one of them presenting mesopores and the highest reported surface area to date for a porphyrin catecholate MOF (>2000 m2 g-1). Eventually, the redox activity of these solids was investigated in a half-cell vs. Li with the aim of evaluating their potential as electrode positive materials for electrochemical energy storage. One of the solids displayed reversibility during cycling at a rather high potential (∼3.4 V vs. Li+/Li), confirming the interest of redox active phenolate ligands for applications involving electron transfer. Our findings expand the library of porphyrin-based MOFs and highlight the potential of phenolate ligands for advancing the field of MOFs for energy storage materials.

Glyco-conjugated metal-organic framework biosensor for fluorescent detection of bacteria.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are hybrid materials constructed by the linkage between an inorganic secondary building unit and an organic linker. A number of MOFs are luminescent in nature and can be structurally tuned for desirable geometry, surface functionality, and porosity. Luminescent MOFs have been endorsed for various biosensing applications. Lectins and carbohydrates have been used for the development of simple and convenient biosensing and bioimaging tools. Lectins are mostly present on the surface of microorganisms where they aid in pathogenesis. Due to this, they can be potential targets for a microbial biosensor. The present study, for the first time, explores the usage of a carbohydrate-conjugated FeMOF (Glyco-MOF) bioprobe for the selective determination of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. NH2-MIL-53(Fe) MOF was synthesized via a room temperature protocol and separately conjugated with galactose and mannose sugars via glutaraldehyde chemistry. The synthesized bioprobe is validated for structural integrity, luminescent nature, stability, and analyte assay. Electron microscopy studies validated the unhindered MOF's morphology and structural integrity, after bioconjugation. The synthesized bioprobes were able to detect P. aeruginosa and E. coli up to respective detection limits of 202 and 8CFU/mL, respectively. The bioprobes are selective even in co-presence of possible interferants as well as being environmentally stable.

Dye‐encapsulated nanocage‐based metal–organic frameworks as luminescent dual‐emitting sensors for selective detection of inorganic ions

A novel manganese‐based metal–organic framework (Mn‐MOF) with nanocage has been successfully synthesized by pore space partition (PSP) strategy. Benefiting from the ternary inorganic secondary building units (SBUs) of mononuclear, trinuclear, and rare tetranuclear bi‐paddlewheel, the material possesses good stability and abundant open metal sites (OMSs). As far as the organic SBU, the uncoordinated pyridine groups promote the formation of Lewis basic sites (LBSs). The multiple SBUs construct the overall framework with three types of cages which exhibits novel topology. Furthermore, the anionic framework provides the impetus to encapsulate cationic dyes, which facilitates the construction of dual‐emitting luminescent RhB@Mn‐MOF material with self‐calibrating sensing abilities. The composite material features prominent selective detection performance to Fe (III), which is obviously superior to the parent material. Additionally, a Zn‐MOF with similar structure to Mn‐MOF shows selective detection ability to Cu (II) and P2R@Zn‐MOF prepared by dye‐encapsulated has enhanced performance. However, the Mn‐based materials prepared by PSP provide appropriate cage and more active sites enable them obtain better detection ability. Therefore, the synergistic effect of PSP and dye‐encapsulated strategy is beneficial to improve the selective detection performance of the materials to inorganic ions.

A Copper Iodide Cluster‐Based Metal–Organic Polyhedra for Photocatalytic Click Chemistry

Self‐assembly from versatile inorganic secondary building units (SBUs) is an important strategy for constructing metal–organic compounds with sophisticated structures and desired functionality. Herein, a copper(I) iodide cluster‐based metal–organic polyhedra (MOP) (Cu3I3)4L1 4 (1) (L 1 = 1,3,5‐trispyridylsulfanylethyl)‐2,4,6‐triethylbenzene, 2‐mercaptopyridine) is synthesized. Due to the abnormal geometry of [Cu3I3] SBUs, MOP 1 exhibits a half‐truncated cube topology, which is rarely observed up to date. Compared with commonly used metal ion or clusters, the coordination bond between the [Cu3I3] SBU and the ligand are rather labile in solution evidenced by the theoretical calculations and experimental results. Interestingly, the liable [Cu3I3] SBU endows MOP 1 to photocatalyze the azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction in aqueous solution with high efficiency, excellent tolerance (>80% isolated yield for 18 examples), and good recyclability. The mechanistic studies reveal a photoinduced electron transfer from the MOP to azide, which is unusual in copper‐catalyzed click reactions.

Lanthanide-Organic Frameworks Featuring Three-Dimensional Inorganic Connectivity for Multipurpose Hydrocarbon Separation.

Implementation of lanthanide-organic frameworks (LOFs) as solid adsorbents has been frequently handicapped by their permanent porosity being difficult to establish owing to the remarkable flexibility and diversity of lanthanide ions in terms of coordination number and geometry. Construction of robust LOFs with permanent porosity for industrially important hydrocarbon separation will greatly expand their application potential. In this work, by distributing N and O donors into an m-terphenyl skeleton, we rationally synthesized a heterofunctional linker, and constructed a pair of isostructural LOFs. Due to the inclusion of a rarely observed three-dimensional metal-carboxylate backbone serving as a highly connected inorganic secondary building unit, their permanent porosities were successfully established by diverse gas isotherms. They can be applied as separating media not only for natural gas purification and removal of carbon dioxide from C2 hydrocarbons but also more importantly for single-step ethylene (C2H4) purification from a three-component C2Hn mixture during the adsorption process. The latter separation is very challenging and has been less reported in the literature. This work provides a unique example of LOFs featuring three-dimensional inorganic connectivity applied to multipurpose hydrocarbon separations.

Rational Construction and Performance Regulation of an In(III)-Tetraisophthalate Framework for One-Step Adsorption-Phase Purification of C2H4 from C2 Hydrocarbons.

The development of porous materials for ethylene (C2H4) separation and purification, a very important separation process in the chemical industry, is urgently needed but quite challenging. In particular, the realization of selectivity-reversed adsorption (namely, C2H4 is not preferentially adsorbed) and the simultaneous capture of multinary coexisting impurities such as ethane (C2H6) and acetylene (C2H2) will significantly simplify process design and reduce energy and cost consumption, but such porous materials are quite difficult to design and have not yet been fully explored. In this work, by employing an aromatic-rich bithiophene-based tetraisophthalate ligand, we solvothermally fabricated an anionic In(III)-based framework termed ZJNU-115 featuring In(COO)4 as an inorganic secondary building unit as well as one-dimensional channels. Due to the absence of unsaturated metallic sites, together with aromatic-rich channel surface decorated with abundant hydrogen-bonding acceptors of carboxylate oxygen and thiophene sulfur atoms, desolvated ZJNU-115 exhibited an unusual adsorption relationship with respect to C2 hydrocarbons, namely, simultaneous and preferable capture of C2H6 and C2H2 over C2H4 at the temperatures investigated, thus representing a rare metal-organic framework (MOF) with the promising potential for one-step adsorption-phase purification of C2H4 from a trinary C2 hydrocarbon mixture. Compared to a few of the MOFs reported for such an application, ZJNU-115 displayed simultaneously good adsorption selectivities of both C2H2 and C2H6 over C2H4. Furthermore, its separation potential can be postsynthetically tailored by substituting dimethylammonium (Me2NH2+) counterions with tetraalkyl ammonium ions (NR4+; R = Me, Et, or n-Pr). More importantly, ZJNU-115 was stable in various organic solvents as well as aqueous solutions with pH values ranging from 5 to 9, thus laying a solid foundation for its practical applications. The design principle and the performance regulation strategy adopted in this work will offer valuable guidance for the contrapuntal construction of porous MOFs employed for direct multicomponent purification of C2H4 with improved performance.

Inter-MOF hybrid (IMOFH): A concise analysis on emerging core–shell based hierarchical and multifunctional nanoporous materials

Abstract Architecting a selective as well as high yielding catalyst has always been a challenge. Porous coordination polymers (PCPs) or popularly perceived as metal organic frameworks (MOF) are well endowed with tunable porosity, high specific surface area and easy functionalization as they are being constructed with plethora of possibilities; varying linker geometry, connectivity and functional groups along with inorganic secondary building unit (SBUs) having diverse topologies; making MOFs an extremely versatile inorganic–organic hybrid complexes for various emerging applications. Yet conventional MOF based materials are deficit in obtaining desired functionality and selectivity in a single crystal entity, hence to circumvent this setback, Inter-MOF Hybrid (IMOFH) compounds are explored for introducing advanced functionality in a single MOF crystal and this review intends to highlight the recent advances on IMOFH core–shell type architectures as an emerging class of hierarchical and multi-functional hybrid. In addition to it this review epitomizes a holistic exploration of rational design involving lattice choices, synthetic routes including forefront applications like; heterogeneous catalysis, adsorption and photocatalysis by IMOFH core–shell materials.

A Series of Metal-Organic Framework Isomers Based on Pyridinedicarboxylate Ligands: Diversified Selective Gas Adsorption and the Positional Effect of Methyl Functionality.

Solvothermal assembly of copper(II) cations and 5-(pyridine-3-yl)isophthalate linkers bearing different position-substituted methyl groups afforded four ligand-induced metal-organic framework (MOF) isomers as a platform for investigating diverse selective gas adsorption properties and understanding the positional effect of methyl functionality. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analyses showed that, when the methyl substituent is at the para position with respect to the pyridinic N atom, the resultant framework compound ZJNU-27 features an eea-type topology, while the other three solids possess an isoreticular structure with an rtl-type topology when the methyl group is situated at the other positions. As revealed by N2 physi-adsorption measurements at 77 K, they exhibit moderate specific surface areas ranging from 584 to 1182 m2 g-1 and distinct degrees of framework flexibility, which are heavily dependent on the methyl position. Comprehensive gas adsorption studies show that they are capable of effectively separating three pairs of binary gas mixtures including C2H2-CH4, CO2-CH4, and CO2-N2 couples. Moreover, their uptake capacities and adsorption selectivities can be tailored by altering the methyl position. In addition, their framework hydro-stability is also influenced by the methyl position. Compared to ZJNU-27 and ZJNU-28, ZJNU-26 and ZJNU-29 exhibit poorer stability against H2O, although the methyl group is more close to inorganic secondary building units (SBUs), which are believed to originate from the steric effect of the methyl group. Overall, the four MOFs display the methyl position-dependent network architectures, framework flexibilities, and selective gas adsorption properties as well as hydrostabilities. The findings observed in this work not only demonstrate the importance of the positional effect of the functional group but also highlight that engineering the substituent position is a potential strategy for achieving the modulation of MOF structures and properties.

Variability in the Formation and Framework Polymorphism of Metal‐organic Frameworks based on Yttrium(III) and the Bifunctional Organic Linker 2,5‐Dihydroxyterephthalic Acid

Depending on the solvothermal reaction conditions, we obtained three different metal‐organic frameworks with yttrium(III) as metal component and 2,5‐dihdyroxyterepthalic acid (H4dhtp) as bifunctional organic linker: Y2(H2dhtp)3(dmf)4·(dmf)2 (CPO‐29) contains dinuclear, paddle‐wheel like inorganic secondary building units (SBUs) connected by the organic linker to a network with α‐Po topology, while Y2(H2dhtp)(dhtp)(dmf)2 (CPO‐30) and Y2(H2dhtp)(dhtp)(dmf)2(H2O)2·(H2O)4 (CPO‐31) contain one‐dimensional inorganic SBUs that differ in how the half‐ and fully deprotonated ligands are connected to and arranged around them. Only the carboxylic acid groups of the organic linker are deprotonated in CPO‐29, while CPO‐30 and CPO‐31 contain both 2,5‐dihydroxyterephthalate (H2dhtp2–) linkers and fully deprotonated 2,5‐dioxidoterephthalate (dhtp4–) linkers. All three compounds contain large volumes filled with solvent, but we were able to demonstrate permanence of porosity only for CPO‐30. Variable temperature powder X‐ray diffraction reveals that CPO‐29 and CPO‐31 undergo discontinuous phase transitions upon heating, and the flexibility of the framework structure indicated by these might be the reason for the inability to access the pore volume. Desolvated CPO‐30 and CPO‐31 are polymorphs, whose network structures differ in whether the H2dhtp2– and dhtp4– linkers are located in cis or trans arrangement around the inorganic SBU.

A robust indium(III)−potassium(I) MOF with high CO2/C2- hydrocarbons over CH4 separation performance

A heterometallic MOF, [NH2(Me)2]5[K3In8L8(H2O)6]·13DMA·12H2O (1), has been synthesized under solvothermal conditions by employing a pyridyl-decorated tetracarboxylate ligand, 2,2′-(pyridine-2,5-diyl)diterephthalic acid (H4L). Structural analysis demonstrates that 1 is a 3D microporous framework based on three kinds of inorganic secondary building units (SBUs), which shows an unprecedented 5-nodal (3,4,4,7,7)-connected topology. Especially, 1 possesses high chemical stability in pH ​= ​2–13 aqueous solutions. The desolvated structure of 1 contains a highly polar pore system decorated with open metal sites, diethylammonium cations, and free pyridine atoms, leading to a high CO2/C2-hydrocarbons over CH4 separation performance.

Extension of Surface Organometallic Chemistry to Metal-Organic Frameworks: Development of a Well-Defined Single Site [(≡Zr-O-)W(═O)(CH2tBu)3] Olefin Metathesis Catalyst.

We report here the first step by step anchoring of a W(≡CtBu)(CH2tBu)3 complex on a highly crystalline and mesoporous MOF, namely Zr-NU-1000, using a Surface Organometallic Chemistry (SOMC) concept and methodology. SOMC allowed us to selectively graft the complex on the Zr6 clusters and characterize the obtained single site material using state of the art experimental methods including extensive solid-state NMR techniques and HAADF-STEM imaging. Further FT-IR spectroscopy revealed the presence of a W═O moiety arising from the in situ reaction of the W≡CtBu functionality with the coordinated water coming from the 8-connected hexanuclear Zr6 clusters. All the steps leading to the final grafted molecular complex have been identified by DFT. The obtained material was tested for gas phase and liquid phase olefin metathesis and exhibited higher catalytic activity than the corresponding catalysts synthesized by different grafting methods. This contribution establishes the importance of applying SOMC to MOF chemistry to get well-defined single site catalyst on MOF inorganic secondary building units, in particular the in situ synthesis of W═O alkyl complexes from their W carbyne analogues.

Hydrothermal Approach for Reticular Synthesis of Coordination Assemblies with Dicarboxylatotetramethyldistannoxanes as the Secondary Building Units

Hydrothermal reaction of trimethyltin chloride with 1,2,4,5‐benzenetetracarboxylic acid (H4L1), 2,3‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid (H2L2) or 1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic acid 4,5‐anhydride (H2L3) under optimized pH (5–6) and temperature (130 °C) results in the isolation of new dicarboxylatotetramethyldistannoxane‐based two‐/three‐dimensional coordination assemblies, [{Me2Sn(L1)0.25}2O] (1, 2 as supramolecular isomers), [{Me2Sn(L2)0.5}2O] (3) and [{Me2Sn(L3)0.5}2O] (4). The reaction in each case proceeds with selective cleavage of Sn–C bond. Analogous reaction of trimethyltin chloride with H4L1 at 100 °C affords [Me3Sn(L1)0.25] (5). The supramolecular coordination isomers 1 and 2 with cds and lvt network topologies, respectively are the first representatives among the distannoxane family; the latter confers large solvent accessible voids of 37 % per unit cell. The formation of ladder distannoxane, [{Me2Sn(O2C)}2O]2 as a common structural motif in 1, 3 and 4 is a manifestation of a predefined geometry of the inorganic secondary building unit (SBU) and follows the benchmark of reticular chemistry approach. The coordination assembly, 5 adopts an eight‐connected uninodal net that belongs to bcu topology. These are thermally stable up to 250–400 °C and retain their crystallinity even after exposure to hydrothermal treatment for 24 h.

Tailoring the Pore Environment of a Robust Ga-MOF by Deformed [Ga3O(COO)6] Cluster for Boosting C2H2 Uptake and Separation.

The construction of superstable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for selective gas uptake is urgently demanded but remains a great challenge. Herein, a unique bifunctional deformed [Ga3O(COO)6] inorganic secondary building unit (SBU) generated from the desymmetrical evolution of typical triangular prismatic trinuclear cluster was first introduced, which was extended by an isosceles triangular organic linker to produce a robust Ga-MOF (SNNU-63). Remarkably, SNNU-63 can stabilize in water at 25 °C for 96 h and at 80 °C for more than 24 h, which surpasses nearly all other Ga-MOFs. The combined effects of open metal sites and hydrophobic pore environment provided by deformed [Ga3O] SBUs render SNNU-63 with high C2H2 storage capacity and efficient C2H2 and natural gas purification performance. The ideal adsorbed solution theory calculation, column breakthrough tests, and grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate that SNNU-63 is a potential material for addressing the challenge of C2H2/CO2 and C2H2/CH4 mixture separation under ambient conditions.

Postsynthetic Modification: An Enabling Technology for the Advancement of Metal-Organic Frameworks.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of porous materials with immense chemical tunability derived from their organic and inorganic building blocks. Presynthetic approaches have been used to construct tailor-made MOFs, but with a rather restricted functional group scope limited by the typical MOF solvothermal synthesis conditions. Postsynthetic modification (PSM) of MOFs has matured into an alternative strategy to broaden the functional group scope of MOFs. PSM has many incarnations, but two main avenues include (1) covalent PSM, in which the organic linkers of the MOF are modified with a reagent resulting in new functional groups, and (2) coordinative PSM, where organic molecules containing metal ligating groups are introduced onto the inorganic secondary building units (SBUs) of the MOF. These methods have evolved from simple efforts to modifying MOFs to demonstrate proof-of-concept, to becoming key synthetic tools for advancing MOFs for a range of emerging applications, including selective gas sorption, catalysis, and drug delivery. Moreover, both covalent and coordinative PSM have been used to create hierarchal MOFs, MOF-based porous liquids, and other unusual MOF materials. This Outlook highlights recent reports that have extended the scope of PSM in MOFs, some seminal reports that have contributed to the advancement of PSM in MOFs, and our view on future directions of the field.

Hydroxamate Titanium-Organic Frameworks and the Effect of Siderophore-Type Linkers over Their Photocatalytic Activity.

The chemistry of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) relies on the controlled linking of organic molecules and inorganic secondary building units to assemble an unlimited number of reticular frameworks. However, the design of porous solids with chemical stability still remains limited to carboxylate or azolate groups. There is a timely opportunity to develop new synthetic platforms that make use of unexplored metal binding groups to produce metal-linker joints with hydrolytic stability. Living organisms use siderophores (iron carriers in Greek) to effectively assimilate iron in soluble form. These compounds make use of hard oxo donors as hydroxamate or catecholate groups to coordinate metal Lewis acids such as iron, aluminum, or titanium to form metal complexes very stable in water. Inspired by the chemistry of these microorganisms, we report the first hydroxamate MOF prepared by direct synthesis. MUV-11 (MUV = materials of Universidad de Valencia) is a crystalline, porous material (close to 800 m2·g-1) that combines photoactivity with good chemical stability in acid conditions. By using a high-throughput approach, we also demonstrate that this new chemistry is compatible with the formation of single-crystalline phases for multiple titanium salts, thus expanding the scope of accessible precursors. Titanium frameworks are regarded as promising materials for photocatalytic applications. Our photoelectrochemical and catalytic tests suggest important differences for MUV-11. Compared to other Ti-MOFs, changes in the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activity have been rationalized with computational modeling, revealing how the chemistry of siderophores can introduce changes to the electronic structure of the frontier orbitals, relevant to the photocatalytic activity of these solids.

Regulating C2H2 and CO2 Storage and Separation through Pore Environment Modification in a Microporous Ni-MOF

The storage and separation of C2H2 and CO2 require specific porous materials having surfaces onto which C2H2 or CO2 molecular can be selectively adsorbed. Through the modification of a multifunctional ligand with −F, −Cl, −NH2, −CH3, −OCH3, and inorganic secondary building units (SBUs) with bipy-N ligands (dimethylamine, pyridine, 4-aminopyridine, and isonicotinic acid) based on a microporous Ni-MOF, the pore environment optimization is realized, achieving the enhancement of the adsorption and separation performances of C2H2 and CO2. The C2H2 uptakes vary from 178.4 to 130.1 cm3 g–1 and CO2 from 83.8 to 44.6 cm3 g–1 at 273 K and 1 atm. The 4-aminopyridine and dimethylamine modified UPC-110 has the highest C2H2/CO2 separation selectivity (5.1), further supported and explained via Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation and breakthrough experiments. Our work not only provides new porous materials for efficient C2H2 and CO2 storage but also contributes to the strategy on improving gas adsorption and se...