Robust Fluorine-Decorated {Yb₄}-Organic Framework for C₂H₆ Capture and Efficient Catalytic Performance on CO₂-Epoxide...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• Fluorine-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer unique properties for gas adsorption, separation, and catalysis.
• Challenges exist in ligand functionalization and self-assembly of these advanced materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a robust fluorine-functionalized nanochannel-based ytterbium(III)-organic framework (NUC-122).
• To evaluate the gas adsorption, separation capabilities, and catalytic performance of the novel MOF.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of the fluorine-functionalized ytterbium(III)-organic framework (NUC-122) using a specific ligand (H5CFPDA).
• Characterization of the framework's structure, void volume, and porosity.
• Gas adsorption/desorption isotherms and selectivity measurements for CO2 and C2H6/C2H4 mixtures.
• Catalytic evaluation of the MOF in CO2-epoxide cycloaddition reactions.

Main Results:

• NUC-122 exhibits a void volume of 54.1% and enhanced CO2 adsorption capacity (117.5 cm3/g at 273 K).
• Achieved high selectivity (1.6) for ethane over ethylene separation, reaching 99.99% purity for recycled ethylene.
• Demonstrated superior catalytic activity in CO2-epoxide cycloaddition, with a 26% higher conversion yield compared to a non-fluorinated analogue.

Conclusions:

• The fluorine functionalization in NUC-122 significantly enhances CO2 capture, separation, and catalytic performance.
• The material's multifunctional properties are attributed to the synergistic effects of Lewis acidic Yb3+ sites, Lewis basic F and Npyridine atoms, and H-bond donors.
• This work provides insights into the synthetic strategies for developing advanced functionalized metal-organic frameworks.