Charge-, Size-, and Symmetry-Matched Pore Partitioning in Metal-Organic Frameworks

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• The pore-space-partition (PSP) strategy effectively subdivides pores in flexible frameworks.
• Extending PSP to rigid frameworks was challenging due to ligand constraints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply the PSP strategy to rigid acs-type frameworks.
• To design and synthesize novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for enhanced adsorption.

Main Methods:

• Designed partitioning ligands with precise geometric and size compatibility.
• Synthesized a series of MOFs using four ligand pairs and four metal combinations.
• Investigated benzene adsorption properties of the synthesized MOFs.

Main Results:

• Successfully applied the PSP strategy to rigid acs frameworks.
• MOFs with hexaazaphenalene-based partitioning ligands showed exceptional benzene adsorption.
• Neutral NNM-750-Fe exhibited significantly enhanced low-pressure benzene uptake.

Conclusions:

• The PSP strategy is now viable for rigid frameworks.
• This research enables rational design of high-performance porous materials.
• Opens new avenues for advanced separation and adsorption applications.