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In Situ Encapsulation of Atomically Precise Nanoclusters in Reticular Frameworks via Mechanochemical Synthesis
Yi-Ming Li1,2, Dongxia Shi1, Jian Yuan3
1Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, P. R. China.
Mechanochemical synthesis enables novel nanocomposites by encapsulating atomically precise nanoclusters (APNCs) within reticular frameworks. This method enhances stability, prevents degradation, and significantly boosts catalytic activity, paving the way for advanced materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Catalysis
Background:
- Atomically precise nanoclusters (APNCs) combined with reticular frameworks offer potential for advanced nanocomposites.
- Liquid-phase synthesis methods often damage APNCs and limit the diversity of possible combinations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the encapsulation of diverse oil- and water-soluble APNCs within various reticular frameworks using mechanochemical synthesis.
- To establish a database of APNC-framework combinations and evaluate their properties.
Main Methods:
- Mechanochemical synthesis was employed to encapsulate various APNCs within reticular frameworks.
- A database of 21 unique APNC-framework combinations was created, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent-organic frameworks (COFs), and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs).
Main Results:
- Framework coatings successfully immobilized APNCs, preventing aggregation and degradation, thereby enhancing stability and activity.
- Encapsulation of Au25 clusters in HOFs led to a 315-fold increase in catalytic activity compared to homogeneous catalysts.
- The study established 21 unique APNC-framework combinations, demonstrating broad applicability.
Conclusions:
- Mechanochemical synthesis is an effective strategy for creating stable and active APNC-framework nanocomposites.
- This approach facilitates tailored support screening and shows promise for developing multifunctional systems, such as enzyme-APNC@frameworks for cascade reactions.
