Multifunctional lanthanide-organic frameworks for fluorescent sensing, gas separation and catalysis

Area of Science:

• Materials Chemistry
• Coordination Chemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• Lanthanide metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are advanced materials with tunable properties.
• Developing MOFs with specific topologies and functionalities is crucial for various applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• Synthesize and characterize two new lanthanide MOFs using a specific organic linker (H2LOMe).
• Investigate the structural properties and potential applications of the synthesized MOFs, particularly complex 2.

Main Methods:

• Solvothermal synthesis of lanthanide MOFs.
• Single-crystal X-ray diffraction for structural analysis.
• Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy for sensing capabilities.
• Gas adsorption studies for selective adsorption.
• Catalytic activity assessment for cyanosilylation reactions.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized two lanthanide MOFs: [Eu(LOMe)1.5(H2O)2]·3.5DMA·2H2O (1) and [Pr(LOMe)(H2O)4]·2.5DMA·3H2O (2).
• Complex 1 exhibits a 2D net with a 44-sql topology, forming a 3D supramolecular structure.
• Complex 2 displays a 3D open framework with {42·84}-PtS topology.
• Complex 2 demonstrates potential for sensing DMF, NB, Al3+, and nitroaromatic derivatives.
• Complex 2 shows selective CO2 adsorption over CH4 and high catalytic activity in cyanosilylation.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized lanthanide MOFs possess distinct structural architectures.
• Complex 2 shows significant promise for applications in chemical sensing, gas separation, and catalysis.