Modulator Driven Formation of a Very Complex Self-Catenated Zinc Metal-Organic Framework

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Crystallography
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are advanced porous materials with tunable structures.
• Self-catenation in MOFs leads to complex topologies but often reduces pore volume.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel self-catenated MOF with high topological complexity.
• To investigate the pore characteristics and potential applications of the new MOF.

Main Methods:

• Solvothermal synthesis using N,N -bis-(5-isophthalic acid)-naphthalenediimide (H4BINDI) and zinc(II) nitrate hexahydrate.
• Characterization of the MOF topology using the "all node" method.
• Analysis of pore volume and potential encapsulation capabilities.

Main Results:

• A self-catenated MOF, BINDI-ZnSC, was successfully synthesized.
• The MOF exhibits unprecedented topological complexity, assigned as a six-nodal net.
• BINDI-ZnSC possesses a large solvent-accessible pore volume (62.5% of the unit cell).

Conclusions:

• The novel MOF BINDI-ZnSC demonstrates a unique self-catenated structure with high topological complexity.
• Its significant pore volume suggests potential for encapsulating small molecules and molecular clusters.
• This work expands the library of complex MOF architectures and their potential applications.