Unprecedented Radiation Resistant Thorium-Binaphthol Metal-Organic Framework

A thorium-organic framework (TOF-16) containing hexameric secondary building units connected by functionalized binaphthol linkers was synthesized, characterized, and irradiated to probe its radiation resistance. Radiation stability was examined using γ-rays and 5 MeV He²⁺ ions to simulate α particles. γ-irradiation of TOF-16 to an unprecedented 4 MGy dose resulted in no apparent bulk structural damage visible by X-ray diffraction. To further probe radiation stability, we conducted the first He²⁺ ion irradiation study of a metal-organic framework (MOF). Diffraction data indicate onset of crystallinity loss upon approximately 15 MGy of irradiation and total loss of crystallinity upon exposure to approximately 25 MGy of He²⁺ ion irradiation. The high radiation resistance observed suggests MOFs can withstand radiation exposure at doses found in nuclear waste streams and highlights the need for a systematic approach to understand and eventually design frameworks with exceptional radiation resistance.