Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Author Spotlight: Experimental Approaches for the Synthesis of Low-Valent Metal-Organic Frameworks from Multitopic Phosphine Linkers
Published on: May 12, 2023
Observation of single-file diffusion in a MOF
1Institut de Recherches sur la Catalyse et l'Environnement de Lyon, CNRS, Université de Lyon 1, 2 Av. A. Einstein, 69626 Villeurbanne, France. herve.jobic@ircelyon.univ-lyon1.fr.
Abstract:
The translational and rotational dynamics of neopentane adsorbed in the one-dimensional channels of MIL-47(V) has been studied by quasi-elastic neutron scattering. The rotational motion of neopentane is well-described by the rotational diffusion model, with a correlation time of 41 ps at 300 K. The translational motion of the molecule has been fitted by several models: isotropic diffusion, normal 1D and single-file diffusion. It is found that the observed line shapes can only be reproduced by the single-file diffusion model. The single-file mobility factor, F, is (8 ± 1) × 10(-14) m(2) s(-1/2) at 300 K. This is the first observation of this unusual diffusion behaviour in a MOF.
Related Concept Videos
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
Metallic Solids
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability....
Ionic Crystal Structures
Most monatomic ions behave as charged spheres, and their attraction for ions of opposite charge is the same in every direction. Consequently, stable structures for ionic compounds result (1) when ions of one charge are surrounded by as many ions as possible of the opposite...

