Building Units Research Articles

On the development of effective heave pressure in deep excavations

The processes and factors that underpin the development of effective heave pressure (EHP) at the base of deep excavations in soft soils have been numerically quantified for two idealised soil–structure systems, namely, a building unit cell and a tunnel geometry, using the finite-element method. Charts were developed exploiting dimensional analysis to estimate the impact of normalised time between the end of excavation and the completion of the restraining structure at the base, on the emerging magnitude of EHP for several scenarios where the excavation geometry, ground profile, relative stiffness and retaining wall length were varied. The results of the analyses were in good agreement with available data from physical model tests and the monitoring data of a deep excavation in Gothenburg, Sweden. Complementary analyses of site-specific background settlements and water table levels demonstrate that the charts developed are conservative. The results of this study can, within the limitations of the scenarios studied, readily be used for estimations of EHP in the preliminary design stage, and as a complement to detailed, project-specific analyses.

Exploring high-connectivity three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks: topologies, structures, and emerging applications.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) represent a highly versatile class of crystalline porous materials, formed by the deliberate assembly of organic building units into ordered two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) structures. Their unique combination of topological precision and tunable micro- or mesoporous architectures offers unmatched flexibility in material design. By selecting specific building units, reactive sites, and functional groups, COFs can be engineered to achieve customized skeletal, porous, and interfacial properties, opening the door to materials with optimized performance for diverse applications. Among recent advances, high-connectivity 3D COFs have emerged as a particularly exciting development, with their intricate network structures enabling unprecedented levels of structural complexity, stability, and functionality. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the synthesis strategies, topological design principles, structural characterization techniques, and emerging applications of high-connectivity 3D COFs. We explore their potential across a broad range of cutting-edge applications, including gas adsorption and separation, macromolecule adsorption, dye removal, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, lithium-sulfur batteries, and charge transport. By examining these key areas, we aim to deepen the understanding of the intricate relationship between structure and function, guiding the rational design of next-generation COF materials. The continued advancements in this field hold immense promise for revolutionizing sectors such as energy storage, catalysis, and molecular separation, making high-connectivity 3D COFs a cornerstone for future technological innovations.

The solid solutions RETi2Al20−x Ga x (0 ≤ x ≤ 10) with RE = Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy and Yb − first gallides with CeCr2Al20-type structure

Abstract The CeCr2Al20-type aluminides RETi2Al20 (RE = Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy and Yb), space group F d 3 ‾ m $Fd\overline{3}m$ , show the formation of solid solutions RETi2Al20−x Ga x with gallium in the ranges 0 ≤ x ≤ 10. Polycrystalline samples were prepared from the elements in alumina crucibles or directly via arc-melting followed by annealing in order to increase crystallinity. The structures of six single crystals were refined from single crystal X-ray diffractometer data for determining the precise occupancy parameters of the aluminum and gallium atoms. The solubility limit of gallium was found at around x ≈ 10. The RETi2Al20−x Ga x structures show a MgCu2-related substructure of the rare earth and titanium atoms. The Al/Ga atoms then form Frank-Kasper type polyhedra around the RE and Ti atoms, i. e., RE@(Al/Ga)16 and Ti@(Al/Ga12). These are the basic building units of the RETi2Al20−x Ga x structures. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility studies show Pauli paramagnetic behavior for the YbTi2Al10Ga10 sample, i. e., a stable divalent ytterbium ground state.

SDCSN: a hierarchical parallel localization method for pipeline leakage based on vibration signals

Abstract In applying deep learning methods to detecting and localising pipeline leaks, improving the fitness of deep learning methods to leak signals is an important task. We propose a novel detection model called Stacked dilated convolutional shrinkage network (SDCSN). This model incorporates a Stacked Dilated Convolution (SDC) module specifically designed for vibration signals, enabling the extraction of rich multi-scale local features. Moreover, implementing the Residual Shrinkage Building Unit (RSBU) module for noise reduction in the network architecture. Building upon this foundation, we introduce a new concept centred around hierarchical leakage discrimination and parallel prediction positioning. This approach enables accurate assessment of leakage levels and precise identification of multiple leakage points. Finally, the performance of the proposed method is verified in real experiments and the optimal settings for the dilated rate are determined. The results demonstrate a maximum classification accuracy rate reaching 98.94%.

Nanoscale Mixed-Ligand Metal-Organic Framework for X-ray Stimulated Cancer Therapy.

Concurrent localized radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy are standards of care for many cancers, but these treatment regimens cause severe adverse effects in many patients. Herein, we report the design of a mixed-ligand nanoscale metal-organic framework (nMOF) with the ability to simultaneously enhance radiotherapeutic effects and trigger the release of a potent chemotherapeutic under X-ray irradiation. We synthesized a new functional quaterphenyl dicarboxylate ligand conjugated with SN38 (H2QP-SN) via a hydroxyl radical-responsive covalent linkage. Because of the similar length of QP-SN and bis(p-benzoato)porphyrin (DBP) ligands, QP-SN was incorporated into Hf-DBP nMOF to afford a novel multifunctional mixed-ligand Hf-DBP-QP-SN nMOF with good biocompatibility. Hf-DBP-QP-SN not only enhances radiation damage to tumors via a unique radiotherapy-radiodynamic therapy (RT-RDT) process but also increases ·OH generation from radiolysis with electron-dense Hf12 secondary building units (SBUs) to release SN38 from Hf-DBP-QP-SN for chemotherapy. Elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide in the tumor microenvironment further stimulate the release of SN38 by enhancing ·OH generation under X-ray irradiation. With low doses of X-ray irradiation, Hf-DBP-QP-SN suppressed the growth of CT26 colon and 4T1 breast tumors by 93.5% and 95.2%, respectively, without any sign of general toxicity. Our study highlights the potential of using ionizing radiation-mediated chemistry for on-demand activation of nanotherapeutics for synergistic radiotherapy and chemotherapy without causing severe adverse effects.

Simultaneous Fabrication of P and M Helices in One‐component Chiral System by Methanol‐Water Mediated Dual Assembly Pathway

The synergetic evolution of multiple chiral structures stemmed from same building units is ubiquitous in nature and vital to living systems, but achieving it in artificial systems remains a challenge. Herein, we report a methanol‐water mediated dual assembly pathway strategy for simultaneous construction of P and M helices in one‐component chiral system. The conformation of l‐phenylaniline derivates (LBpyF) is controlled to folded state in CH3OH due to the hydrogen bonds as well as C‐H···π interaction between LBpyF and CH3OH. Addition of H2O into above CH3OH solution of LBpyF results in the simultaneous occurrence of two self‐assembly pathways and double networks of P and M helices were therefore formed, due to the synchronous process of 1) self‐assembly of folded LBpyF into M‐helices and 2) H2O induced unfolding of folded LBpyF molecules followed by self‐assembly of them into P‐helices. The bipyridine core, phenyl ring, amide unit all adapted into different stacking modes in M‐helices and P‐helices, and energy analysis indicated that the minority M‐helices were more thermodynamically favored products. This study provides an approach to explore synergetic evolution of multiple chiral structures by manipulating the multiple assembly pathway.

Data-Driven Screening and Discovery of Metal-Organic Frameworks as C2 Adsorbents from over 900 Experimental Isotherms.

The separation of ethylene from ethane accounts for almost 100 million tons of CO2 emissions annually and 0.3% of global primary energy usage. Replacing current cryogenic distillation units with adsorption separation units, especially for the minor component of ethane, would enable significant efficiency gains. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are well-suited for adsorption separation due to their high surface areas and tunable chemical properties. Exploring all possible MOFs is a daunting experimental challenge, motivating in silico screening with machine learning models. We present a database of 948 experimentally measured pure-component C2 isotherms from 192 MOFs gathered from the literature and use it to train machine learning models to predict MOF ethane and ethylene uptake across a range of temperature and pressure conditions. The models have high accuracy in interpolative tasks (mean absolute error ∼0.05 mmol/g) when trained on only 20% of available data. Performance on unseen structures was also reasonably accurate with a mean absolute error (MAE) ∼0.7 mmol/g. We apply the models to screen the CoRE MOF2019 ASR database and identify the most promising candidates. Several MOFs containing lanthanide metals were predicted to have high ethane selectivity, suggesting that this class of MOFs may merit further investigation. Feature importance analysis suggests that both optimizing MOF secondary building unit chemistry and the process conditions at which the sorbent will operate are critical for enabling ethane-selective separation. We synthesize a MOF predicted to exhibit high ethane selectivity and experimentally validate qualitative agreement with model predictions, highlighting the utility of both the data set and model in discovering unexplored C2 adsorbents.

Interzeolite Transformation through Cross-Nucleation: A Molecular Mechanism for Seed-Assisted Synthesis.

Polymorph selection and efficient crystallization are central goals in zeolite synthesis. Crystalline seeds are used for both purposes. While it has been proposed that zeolite seeds induce interzeolite transformation by dissolving into structural units that promote nucleation of the daughter crystal, the seed's structural elements do not always match those of the target zeolite. This discrepancy raises the question of how the seed promotes the daughter phase. Here, we present the first molecularly resolved investigation of seed-assisted zeolite synthesis. Using molecular simulations, we reproduce the experimental finding that a parent zeolite can promote the nucleation of a daughter zeolite even when it lacks common composite building units (CBUs) or crystal planes. Modeling the seed-assisted synthesis of an AFI-type zeolite using zeolite CHA, our simulations indicate that stand-alone CBUs from the parent seed do not facilitate daughter crystal formation. However, introducing the intact seed significantly reduces the synthesis time, supporting that seed integrity is key to increased efficiency. This reduction arises from the cross-nucleation of the AFI-type zeolite on the CHA (001) face. We find that parent and daughter zeolites are connected by an interfacial transition layer with an order distinct from that of both zeolites. Simulations reveal that cross-nucleation occurs over a broad range of synthesis conditions. We argue that cross-nucleation would be most favorable for zeolite pairs that share crystalline planes such as those forming intergrowths. Our findings suggest that the prevalence of intergrowths with a common lattice plane in zeolite synthesis is likely a kinetic effect of accelerated cross-nucleation.

Exploring the Differences in Self‐Assembly Behavior, Structure, and Properties of Two Novel Pentanuclear Zinc (II) Salamo‐Type Complexes Possessing Solvent Effect

ABSTRACTA salamo‐type biscompartmental ligand was successfully prepared. On this basis, two novel pentanuclear zinc (II) salamo‐type complexes possessing solvent effect were self‐assembled successfully with different zinc (II) salts: [Zn5(L)2(μ‐OAc)2(CH3COCH3)] (1) and [Zn5(L)2(μ‐OAc)2(CH3CN)] (2). Complex 1 contains two fully deprotonated (L)4− units, five Zn(II) atoms, two coordinating acetate anions, and one coordinating acetone molecule. The zinc (II) atoms are all in a slightly distorted triangular bipyramidal geometrical configurations. Complex 2 consists of two fully deprotonated (L)4− units, five zinc (II) atoms, two coordinating acetate anions and a coordinating acetonitrile molecule. The different structures of the self‐assembling complexes may be attributed to various solvent effects applied in the self‐assembly. As a result, the acetate anions are involved in bridging coordination, thereby expanding the distance between secondary building units (SBUs). In addition, polar nonprotonic solvents, especially acetonitrile and acetone molecules, were involved in the coordination process. Finally, the reaction sites and intermolecular interactions were further discussed by MEP, IRI, and Hirshfeld surfaces, and their fluorescence properties were explored.

Isoreticular Squaraine-Linked Titanium-Organic Frameworks for Photocatalytic Water Splitting to Hydrogen Under Visible Light.

Inspired by the excellent photocatalytic activity of TiO2, titanium metal-organic frameworks (Ti-MOFs) with broad absorption of visible light are regarded as promising photocatalysts, but carboxylate-linkers used in them are mainly limited to the large extended π-electron systems. Developing Ti-MOFs using organic linkers with a donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) structure is expected to improve their charge separation but is still challenging. Herein the design of two new isoreticular Ti-MOFs, Ti6-SQ1 and Ti6-SQ2 are reported, by using squaraines bearing different electron donors as organic linkers. Discrete fourier transform (DFT) calculations demonstrate that ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) from the acceptor units of squaraines to the Ti6-oxo secondary building units (SBUs) drives the photocatalytic water splitting to hydrogen reaction. Compared with Ti6-SQ2, the shorter distance between the squaraine centers and the Ti6-oxo SBUs in Ti6-SQ1 makes stronger LMCT, showing higher photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiency of 11.5mmol g-1h-1 under visible light (λ > 420nm), which is ≈8 times that of Ti-based MOF photocatalysts reported so far. This work provides a new strategy to design Ti-MOF photocatalysts and understand their structure-property relationship.

Precise Single-Atom Modification of Hybrid Lead Chlorides for Electron Donor-Acceptor Effect and Enhanced Photocatalytic Aerobic Oxidation.

Hybrid lead halides show significant potential in photocatalysis due to their excellent photophysical properties, but the atomically precise modification of their organic component to achieve synergistic interactions with the lead halide units remains a great challenge. Herein, for the first time, we have employed the crystal engineering strategy to construct a class of single-atom-substituted hybrid lead halides with electron donor-acceptor (D-A) effect. The lead halide frameworks consist of 1D linear [PbCl]+ chains as inorganic building units and benzoxadiazole/benzothiadiazole/ benzoselenadiazole-funtionalized dicarboxylates as linkers. The covalent bonding between the organic ligands with electron-withdrawing groups and the electron-rich lead halide units not only facilitate the charge separation, but also enhance structural robustness that is critical for photocatalysis. The D-A structured lead halides serve as highly efficient heterogeneous photooxidation catalysts, including aerobic oxidation of C(sp3)-H bonds, oxidative coupling of primary amines, oxidation of phenylboronic acids and selective oxidation of sulfides that are demonstrated in 30 examples. Importantly, these photooxidation reactions are able to be driven by natural sunlight and ambient air to afford quantitative yields. Moreover, our lead halide photocatalysts are successful to fix into a photocatalytic flow system, which enables the flow-type synthesis of high value-added photooxidation products on a gram scale.

Versatile synthesis of uniform mesoporous superparticles from stable monomicelle units.

Superstructures with architectural complexity and unique functionalities are promising for a variety of practical applications in many fields, including mechanics, sensing, photonics, catalysis, drug delivery and energy storage/conversion. In the past five years, a number of attempts have been made to build superparticles based on amphiphilic polymeric micelle units, but most have failed owing to their inherent poor stability. Determining how to stabilize micelles and control their superassembly is critical to obtaining the desired mesoporous superparticles. Here we provide a detailed procedure for the preparation of ultrastable polymeric monomicelle building units, the creation of a library of ultrasmall organic-inorganic nanohybrids, the modular superassembly of monomicelles into hierarchical superstructures and creation of novel multilevel mesoporous superstructures. The protocol enables precise control of the number of monomicelle units and the derived mesopores for superparticles. We show that ultrafine nanohybrids display enhanced mechanical antipressure performance compared with pristine polymeric micelles, and describe the functional characterization of mesoporous superstructures that exhibit excellent oxygen reduction reactivity. Except for the time (4.5 d) needed for the preparation of the triblock polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) PS-PVP-PEO or the polystyrene-block-poly(acrylic acid)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (PS-PAA-PEO) copolymer, the synthesis of the ultrastable monomicelle, ultrafine organic-inorganic nanohybrids, hierarchical superstructures and mesoporous superparticles require ~6, 30, 8 and 24 h, respectively. The time needed for all characterizations and applications are 18 and 10 h, respectively.

Dynamically Switchable Global Chirality in Racemic Polymer Systems.

Any polymers composed of racemic segments are obviously optically inactive and lack any chiroptical applications. Here, we present an intriguing method for precisely generating global chirality in racemic copolymer assemblies without any external asymmetrical intervention via step-wise polymerization-induced chiral self-assembly (PICSA). Global supramolecular chirality of the nanoaggregates could be dynamically switched by the two diametrically opposed chiral conflict effects: "first come, first serve" effect and "late-comer lives above" effect, which can be controlled by the precisely specified the number and sequence of enantiomeric segments. Significantly, the supramolecular stacking manners of the racemic mesogenic building units as well as the liquid crystallinity of the solvophobic core play a crucial role for the chiral communication pathway of enantiomeric mesogens. Furthermore, such switchable global chirality in racemic polymers is broadly applicable and well regulable. We propose that this research may challenge the notion that racemic systems lack optical activity while highlighting their potential applications in functional racemic polymer materials and providing insights into the evolution of racemates towards homochirality on early Earth.

Dynamically Switchable Global Chirality in Racemic Polymer Systems

Any polymers composed of racemic segments are obviously optically inactive and lack any chiroptical applications. Here, we present an intriguing method for precisely generating global chirality in racemic copolymer assemblies without any external asymmetrical intervention via step‐wise polymerization‐induced chiral self‐assembly (PICSA). Global supramolecular chirality of the nanoaggregates could be dynamically switched by the two diametrically opposed chiral conflict effects: “first come, first serve” effect and “late‐comer lives above” effect, which can be controlled by the precisely specified the number and sequence of enantiomeric segments. Significantly, the supramolecular stacking manners of the racemic mesogenic building units as well as the liquid crystallinity of the solvophobic core play a crucial role for the chiral communication pathway of enantiomeric mesogens. Furthermore, such switchable global chirality in racemic polymers is broadly applicable and well regulable. We propose that this research may challenge the notion that racemic systems lack optical activity while highlighting their potential applications in functional racemic polymer materials and providing insights into the evolution of racemates towards homochirality on early Earth.

Bifunctional Metal–Organic Framework Synergistically Enhances Radiotherapy and Activates STING for Potent Cancer Radio‐Immunotherapy

AbstractThe activation of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein by cyclic dinucleotide metabolites plays a critical role in antitumor immunity. However, synthetic STING agonists like 4‐(5,6‐dimethoxybenzo[b]thiophen‐2‐yl)‐4‐oxobutanoic acid (MSA‐2) exhibit suboptimal pharmacokinetics and fail to sustain STING activation in tumors for effective antitumor responses. Here, we report the design of MOF/MSA‐2, a bifunctional MSA‐2 conjugated nanoscale metal–organic framework (MOF) based on Hf6 secondary building units (SBUs) and hexakis(4′‐carboxy[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐yl)benzene bridging ligands, for potent cancer radio‐immunotherapy. By leveraging the high‐Z properties of the Hf6 SBUs, the MOF enhances the therapeutic effect of X‐ray radiation and elicits potent immune stimulation in the tumor microenvironment. MOF/MSA‐2 further enhances radiotherapeutic effects of X‐rays by enabling sustained STING activation and promoting the infiltration and activation of immune cells in the tumors. MOF/MSA‐2 plus low‐dose X‐ray irradiation elicits strong STING activation and potent tumor regression, and when combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor, effectively suppresses both primary and distant tumors through systemic immune activation.

Bifunctional Metal-Organic Framework Synergistically Enhances Radiotherapy and Activates STING for Potent Cancer Radio-Immunotherapy.

The activation of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein by cyclic dinucleotide metabolites plays a critical role in antitumor immunity. However, synthetic STING agonists like 4-(5,6-dimethoxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-4-oxobutanoic acid (MSA-2) exhibit suboptimal pharmacokinetics and fail to sustain STING activation in tumors for effective antitumor responses. Here, we report the design of MOF/MSA-2, a bifunctional MSA-2 conjugated nanoscale metal-organic framework (MOF) based on Hf6 secondary building units (SBUs) and hexakis(4'-carboxy[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)benzene bridging ligands, for potent cancer radio-immunotherapy. By leveraging the high-Z properties of the Hf6 SBUs, the MOF enhances the therapeutic effect of X-ray radiation and elicits potent immune stimulation in the tumor microenvironment. MOF/MSA-2 further enhances radiotherapeutic effects of X-rays by enabling sustained STING activation and promoting the infiltration and activation of immune cells in the tumors. MOF/MSA-2 plus low-dose X-ray irradiation elicits strong STING activation and potent tumor regression, and when combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor, effectively suppresses both primary and distant tumors through systemic immune activation.

Unlocking Topological Effects in Covalent Organic Frameworks for High-Performance Photosynthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) offer a compelling platform for the efficient photosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Constructed with diverse topologies from various molecular building units, COFs can exhibit unique photocatalytic properties. In this study, three π-conjugated 2D sp2 carbon-linked COFs with distinctly different topologies (hcb, sql, and hxl) are designed to investigate the topological effect on the overall photosynthesis of H2O2 from water and oxygen. Despite their similar chemical and band structures, the QP-HPTP-COF with hxl topology outperformed other COFs in the photosynthesis of H2O2, demonstrating a remarkable solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of 1.41%. Comprehensive characterizations confirmed that the hxl topology can substantially improve charge separation and transfer, thereby significantly enhancing photocatalytic performance. This study not only unravels the topology-directed charge carrier dynamics in COFs but also establishes a molecular engineering framework for developing high-performance photocatalysts for sustainable H2O2 production.

Hydrocarbon-based composite membranes containing sulfonated Poly(arylene thioether sulfone)-grafted 2D crown ether framework coordinated with cerium ions for PEMFC applications

We propose a novel strategy to develop sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (SPAES) composite membranes that can simultaneously improve the physicochemical stability and proton conductivity of hydrocarbon-based membranes for PEMFC applications. This strategy involves the use of a sulfonated poly(arylene thioether sulfone)-grafted 2D crown ether framework coordinated with cerium3+ ions (SATS–C2O–Ce) as a promising filler material. SATS-C2O, a highly sulfonated polymer-grafted 2D framework containing crown ether holes in its skeletal structure, was prepared via self-condensation using halogenated phloroglucinol as a multifunctional building unit to form C2O, followed by condensation using SATS to graft the sulfonated polymer onto its edge. Ce3+ ions were directly coordinated within the crown ether holes of SATS-C2O via a simple doping process using aqueous Ce solution. The SPAES composite membranes containing SATS–C2O–Ce (SPAES/SATS–C2O–Ce) exhibited exceptional dimensional stability and mechanical toughness. The remarkable chemical stability of SPAES/SATS–C2O–Ce compared to that of pristine SPAES and SPAES/Ce (containing the same amount of Ce3+ ions but without SATS-C2O) was attributed to the well-dispersed state of Ce3+ ions within the SPAES matrix. Furthermore, the enhanced proton conductivity of SPAES/SATS–C2O–Ce surpassed those of pristine SPAES, SPAES/C2O, and SPAES/Ce by the formation of additional proton-conducting channels provided by the sulfonic acid groups of SATS–C2O–Ce, along with the improved water uptake capability of SPAES.

Constructing Flexible Crystalline Porous Organic Salts via a Zwitterionic Strategy.

The unique ionic channels and highly polar pore structures have distinguished crystalline porous organic salts (CPOSs) from conventional porous frameworks in the past decade. Up to now, CPOSs were all constructed by a monoionic strategy, in which two types of building units individually bearing anionic or cationic groups were introduced, thus increasing complexity in the synthesis of CPOSs. In this study, by utilizing stereoisomeric compounds of TPE-NS-Z or TPE-NS-E bearing both anionic and cationic groups as a single building unit, the zwitterionic strategy was proven feasible in constructing CPOSs. Benefiting from the single building unit, the zwitterionic strategy simplified the preparation process and reduced the difficulty in studying the aggregation behavior of building units into CPOSs. And also, this novel strategy enabled precise control of the finally obtained CPOSs through fine-tuning of the initial building units. Surprisingly, the special parallel/vertical alternated stacking mode and unique ionic interaction networks in the crystal structure provided the flexible pore characteristic of CPOS-E, which further guaranteed the multitime controllable release of highly polar chemicals in different solvents.

Revealing Disorder, Sorption Locations and a Sorption-Induced Single Crystal-Single Crystal Transformation in a Rare-Earth fcu-Type Metal-Organic Framework.

Rare-earth metal-organic frameworks (RE-MOFs) formed in the presence of fluoride donors are a group of complex and applicable MOFs. Determining structural complexity is crucial in applying such MOFs and has been achieved to uncover framework disorders in the important fcu framework topology MOF, Y-ndc-fcu-MOF (1). 1 is found to contain F- groups disordered over the μ3-face-capping sites in its secondary building unit (SBU) and framework distortions upon sorption of different guest molecules. The favored location of the guests is within the octahedral cage of 1 where they interact with the Y3+ centers. The size, shape, and interactions of the different guests lead to subtle distortions within the SBU and adoption of specific orientations of the naphthalene group of the 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylate framework linkers. The sorption of DMF(l)/H2O(l) lowers the symmetry from cubic Fm3̅m (for MeOH(l), N2(g), CO2(gorl)) to cubic Pa3̅ (for DMF(l)/H2O(l)) symmetry with retention of the fcu topology, and conversion between the Pa3̅ and Fm3̅m structures is induced by solvent exchange. Such disorder and sorption locations and transformation are important considerations during the optimization and application of MOFs for sorption-based technologies.