Imparting Functionality and Enhanced Surface Area to a 2D Electrically Conductive MOF via Macrocyclic Linker

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• 2D electrically conductive metal-organic frameworks (EC-MOFs) are crucial for energy storage, electrocatalysis, and sensors.
• Existing EC-MOFs often suffer from low surface area and limited functionality due to restricted ligand options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a novel 2D EC-MOF with enhanced surface area and functionality.
• To explore the potential of alkyne functionalities for post-synthetic modification.
• To investigate the impact of particle size on material properties.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a new 2D EC-MOF using a 2,3,8,9,14,15-hexahydroxyltribenzocyclyne (HHTC) linker and copper nodes.
• Characterization of the material's electrical conductivity and surface area.
• Post-synthetic modification by incorporating heterometal ions (Ni2+, Co2+) into the alkyne sites.
• Investigation of particle size effects on material properties.

Main Results:

• Achieved unprecedentedly high surface area (1196 m²/g) and electrical conductivity (3.02 × 10⁻³ S/cm) for a 2D EC-MOF.
• Successfully demonstrated post-synthetic metalation of alkyne groups, introducing new functionalities.
• Established tunable particle sizes, enabling the study of size-dependent properties.

Conclusions:

• The novel HHTC-based EC-MOF offers a significant advancement in material properties for electronic applications.
• The demonstrated post-synthetic modification strategy opens new avenues for designing functional EC-MOFs.
• This work expands the library of 2D EC-MOFs and highlights their potential in advanced electronic devices.