"Photochemical Surgery" of 1D Metal-Organic Frameworks with a Site-Selective Solubilization/Crystallization Strategy

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemistry

Background:

• One-dimensional (1D) hybrid metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with interconnected channels are highly desirable.
• Precise synthesis of 1D multiblock MOFs with controlled block lengths and sequences remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for the precision synthesis of 1D hybrid MOFs.
• To enable site-selective solubilization and crystallization of MOF blocks for creating complex structures.

Main Methods:

• Development of the "photochemical surgery" method, combining top-down and bottom-up approaches.
• Utilizing photoreactive MOFs synthesized with photochromic bispyridyl ligands and isophthalates complexed with Cd2+ or Zn2+.
• Site-selective removal of MOF segments using UV light and subsequent reconstruction with different MOF components.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of a triblock hybrid MOF (DTECdMOF_NO-DTZECdMOF_NO-DTECdMOF_NO) with interconnected channels.
• Demonstration of guest diffusion across newly formed MOF blocks, confirming channel continuity.
• Application of the method to create unconventional sequences and morphologies, including honeycomb patterns.

Conclusions:

• The "photochemical surgery" method offers precise control over the synthesis of 1D hybrid MOFs.
• This technique opens new avenues for designing complex MOF architectures with tailored properties.
• The developed method is versatile for creating diverse MOF sequences and morphologies.