Incorporation of active metal sites in MOFs via in situ generated ligand deficient metal-linker complexes

Two novel 3D MOFs, namely MOF-647A and MOF-648 (previously unknown trinodal 4-connected net), comprised of Cu ions and pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylate were synthesized and characterized. A strategy for incorporating open metal sites in MOFs was investigated by utilizing an in situ generated metal-linker complex as a precursor to construct MOF-648.     

Strong and reversible binding of carbon dioxide in a green metal-organic framework

The efficient capture and storage of gaseous CO(2) is a pressing environmental problem. Although porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been shown to be very effective at adsorbing CO(2) selectively by dint of dipole-quadruple interactions and/or ligation to open metal sites, the gas is not usually trapped covalently. Furthermore, the vast majority of these MOFs are fabricated from nonrenewable materials, often in the presence of harmful solvents, most of which are derived from petrochemical sources. Herein we report the highly selective adsorption of CO(2) by CD-MOF-2, a recently described green MOF consisting of the renewable cyclic oligosaccharide γ-cyclodextrin and RbOH, by what is believed to be reversible carbon fixation involving carbonate formation and decomposition at room temperature. The process was monitored by solid-state (13)C NMR spectroscopy as well as colorimetrically after a pH indicator was incorporated into CD-MOF-2 to signal the formation of carbonic acid functions within the nanoporous extended framework.     

Postsynthetic modification of a metal-organic framework for stabilization of a hemiaminal and ammonia uptake

In our study, we show by solid-state (15)N NMR measurements that an important zirconium metal-organic framework (UiO-66) with amino-functionalized links is composed of a mixture of amino and -NH(3)(+)Cl(-) salt functionalities rather than all amino functionality to give a composition of Zr(6)O(4)(OH)(4)(BDC-NH(2))(4)(BDC-NH(3)(+)Cl(-))(2) (UiO-66-A). UiO-66-A was postsynthetically modified to form a mixture of three functionalities, where the hemiaminal functionality is the majority species in UiO-66-B and aziridine is the majority functionality in UiO-66-C. UiO-66-A-C are all porous with surface areas ranging from 780 to 820 m(2)/g and have chemical stability, as evidenced by reversible ammonia uptake and release showing capacities ranging from 134 to 193 cm(3)/g.     

Heterogeneity within order in crystals of a porous metal-organic framework

Generally, crystals of synthetic porous materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are commonly made up from one kind of repeating pore structure which predominates the whole material. Surprisingly, little is known about how to introduce heterogeneously arranged pores within a crystal of homogeneous pores without losing the crystalline nature of the material. Here, we outline a strategy for producing crystals of MOF-5 in which a system of meso- and macropores either permeates the whole crystal to make sponge-like crystals or is entirely enclosed by a thick crystalline microporous MOF-5 sheath to make pomegranate-like crystals. These new forms of crystals represent a new class of materials in which micro-, meso-, and macroporosity are juxtaposed and are directly linked unique arrangements known to be useful in natural systems but heretofore unknown in synthetic crystals.     

Building a Global Culture of Science—The Vietnam Experience

We detail the lessons learned, challenges, achievements, and outlook in building a chemistry research center in Vietnam. Through the principles of “global science”, we provide specific insight into the process behind establishing an internationally‐competitive research program—a model that is scalable and adaptable to countries beyond Vietnam. Furthermore, we highlight the prospects for success in advancing global science education, research capacity building, and mentorship.     

Synthesis, structure, and metalation of two new highly porous zirconium metal-organic frameworks

Three new metal-organic frameworks [MOF-525, Zr(6)O(4)(OH)(4)(TCPP-H(2))(3); MOF-535, Zr(6)O(4)(OH)(4)(XF)(3); MOF-545, Zr(6)O(8)(H(2)O)(8)(TCPP-H(2))(2), where porphyrin H(4)-TCPP-H(2) = (C(48)H(24)O(8)N(4)) and cruciform H(4)-XF = (C(42)O(8)H(22))] based on two new topologies, ftw and csq, have been synthesized and structurally characterized. MOF-525 and -535 are composed of Zr(6)O(4)(OH)(4) cuboctahedral units linked by either porphyrin (MOF-525) or cruciform (MOF-535). Another zirconium-containing unit, Zr(6)O(8)(H(2)O)(8), is linked by porphyrin to give the MOF-545 structure. The structure of MOF-525 was obtained by analysis of powder X-ray diffraction data. The structures of MOF-535 and -545 were resolved from synchrotron single-crystal data. MOF-525, -535, and -545 have Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface areas of 2620, 1120, and 2260 m(2)/g, respectively. In addition to their large surface areas, both porphyrin-containing MOFs are exceptionally chemically stable, maintaining their structures under aqueous and organic conditions. MOF-525 and -545 were metalated with iron(III) and copper(II) to yield the metalated analogues without losing their high surface area and chemical stability.