From 2D to 3D: Postsynthetic Pillar Insertion in Electrically Conductive MOF

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• 2D conductive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) show promise in energy storage and electronics.
• Limited pore accessibility in stacked 2D MOFs hinders their full potential.
• Developing strategies to improve MOF accessibility is crucial for advanced applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To transform a 2D conjugated MOF into a 3D framework.
• To enhance ion accessibility within the MOF structure.
• To improve the electrochemical performance of MOFs.

Main Methods:

• Postsynthetic pillar-ligand insertion was employed to convert a 2D MOF into a 3D framework.
• The copper-based MOF, Cu-THQ, was selected for its ability to incorporate additional ligands.
• Structural augmentation was performed by introducing pillar ligands at copper nodes.

Main Results:

• The transformation successfully created a 3D MOF structure from a 2D precursor.
• Structural augmentation significantly increased ion accessibility into the internal pores.
• Gravimetric capacitance was increased up to double that of the original 2D MOF.

Conclusions:

• Postsynthetic modification can effectively enhance the performance of 2D conductive MOFs.
• The 3D MOF structure offers improved ion transport for electrochemical applications.
• This approach provides a pathway for functionalizing MOFs for sensing, electronics, and energy storage.