Merging and Clipping Nets for the Synthesis of Three- and Two-Merged Net Metal-Organic Frameworks

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Crystallography

Background:

• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are versatile porous materials with tunable structures.
• Controlling the topology and dimensionality of MOF networks is crucial for advanced applications.
• Single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations offer precise control over MOF architectures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate controlled merging and clipping of nets in MOFs via single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations.
• To design and synthesize novel three- and two-merged net MOFs.
• To explore the application of these MOFs in pollutant removal.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of three-merged net MOFs using a trimeric Sc3+ cluster and ditopic/tritopic linkers.
• Selective removal of a specific subnet (hxl net) via clip-off chemistry (ozonolysis).
• Linker reinstallation for postsynthetic modification and recovery of the initial MOF structure.

Main Results:

• First-time formation of MOFs exhibiting three-merged edge-transitive nets (kgd + hxl + pcu).
• Successful synthesis of two-merged net MOFs through selective subnet removal.
• Demonstration of linker reinstallation to revert to the original three-merged net MOFs.
• Tuning of sorption properties in two-merged net MOFs for cationic organic pollutant removal.

Conclusions:

• Controlled net merging and clipping in MOFs can be achieved through single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations.
• The developed clip-off and linker reinstallation strategies allow for precise topological engineering of MOFs.
• The synthesized MOFs show potential for selective removal of cationic organic pollutants, highlighting their functional versatility.