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Updated: Jun 7, 2025

Synthesis of Single-Crystalline Core-Shell Metal-Organic Frameworks
Published on: February 10, 2023
A Ni4O4-cubane-squarate coordination framework for molecular recognition
Qingqing Yan1, Shuyi An1, Liang Yu2
1CAS Key Laboratory of Microscale Magnetic Resonance, Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, Hefei National Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
Abstract:
Molecular recognition is a fundamental function of natural systems that ensures biological activity. This is achieved through the sieving effect, host-guest interactions, or both in biological environments. Recent advancements in multifunctional proteins reveal a new dimension of functional organization that goes beyond single-function molecular recognition, emphasizing the need for artificial multifunctional materials in industrial applications. Herein, we have designed a porous Ni4O4-cubane squarate coordination polymer as an artificial molecular recognition host, drawing inspiration from the structural and functional features of natural enzymes. A comprehensive assessment of the material's ability to distinguish target species under different operating conditions was carried out. The results confirm its sieving function through hexane isomers separation, host-guest interaction function via xenon/krypton separation, and dual presence of sieving and interaction through carbon dioxide/nitrogen separation. Additionally, the material demonstrates good stability and feasibility for large-scale production, indicating its practical potential. Our findings provide a bio-inspired multifunctional recognition material for chemical separations as proof-of-concept while offering solutions to advance artificial multifunctional materials adaptable to other applications beyond chemical separations.
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