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Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Applying Dynamic Strain on Thin Oxide Films Immobilized on a Pseudoelastic Nickel-Titanium Alloy
Published on: July 28, 2020
Inducing Reactivity by Cluster Strain in Titanium Frameworks
Eloy P Gómez-Oliveira1, Vitor Fernandes de Almeida2, Javier Castells-Gil3
1Functional Inorganic Materials Team, Instituto de Ciencia Molecular (ICMol), Universitat de València, 46980 València, Spain.
We demonstrate cluster strain engineering in titanium-organic frameworks by substituting cations. This method predictably distorts metal-oxo clusters, enhancing redox activity for applications like photocatalytic CO2 methanation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Strategies for distorting metal-oxo clusters in molecular frameworks are limited.
- Controlling charge separation and redox activity in frameworks is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a proof-of-concept for cluster strain engineering in titanium-organic frameworks.
- To investigate the effect of cation substitution on cluster distortion and redox properties.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MUV-10 (a titanium-organic framework) as a model system.
- Replaced Ca2+ with larger alkaline-earth cations (Sr2+, Ba2+) to induce strain.
- Analyzed structural changes and photocatalytic activity (CO2 methanation).
Main Results:
- Achieved predictable distortions of Ti2M2 clusters and a cubic-to-tetragonal cell transformation.
- Observed altered Ti-O coordination geometry and enhanced ligand-to-metal charge transfer.
- Promoted photogeneration of Ti3+ sites, validated by photocatalytic CO2 methanation.
Conclusions:
- Established cluster strain engineering as a method to modulate redox reactivity in molecular solids.
- Linked oxide catalysis and reticular chemistry through cluster strain.
- Repurposed the Goldschmidt tolerance factor to rationalize strain in reticular frameworks.
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