Efficient modulation of a barium metal-organic framework using amino acids

In recent years, significant advances have been made in the precise control of the physical properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) via the linker-modulated method in which modulators compete with linkers and impose kinetic limitations through crystal growth. In this regard, the structure of a new barium-organic framework [Ba(H₂BTC)₂(H₂O)₄]_n, BaBTC (BTC = 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid) is introduced, which allows the competitive coordination strategy and growth orientation of an alkaline-earth metal-organic framework (AEMOF) to be probed without sacrificing phase purity, porosity and crystallinity. The modulator effect of an assortment of amino acids on the particle size and morphology of BaBTC is investigated. Additionally, another new MOF [Ba(BTC)₂(H₂O)₃]_n.nH₂O, BaBTC-2, is synthesized through a change in the ligand concentration. This work gives a successful example of a modulation method for AEMOF synthesis by amino acids that may contribute towards targeting future avenues of nanomaterial synthesis.