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Direct visualization of breathing behavior in flexible MOF MIL-88B by low-dose electron microscopy
Haiyun Zhu1, Deting Li1, Ying Liu1
1Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies & School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China. lixiao@cqu.edu.cn.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|July 17, 2026
Summary
High-resolution electron microscopy directly observed the breathing behavior of flexible MIL-88B metal-organic frameworks. This solvent-induced framework expansion involves lattice deformation and defect-assisted strain accommodation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemistry
Background:
- Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit dynamic structural responses to external stimuli.
- Understanding MOF flexibility is crucial for applications in gas storage, separation, and catalysis.
- MIL-88B is a well-known MOF exhibiting significant structural changes upon solvent adsorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To directly visualize the solvent-induced breathing behavior of flexible MIL-88B.
- To elucidate the atomic-level mechanisms governing large-amplitude framework expansion in MOFs.
- To investigate the role of defects in strain accommodation during MOF structural transitions.
Main Methods:
- Low-dose high-resolution integrated differential phase contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy (iDPC-STEM) was employed.
- In-situ experiments were performed to observe MIL-88B under solvent exposure.
- Image analysis techniques were used to quantify lattice deformation and structural changes.
Main Results:
- Direct visualization of anisotropic lattice deformation during solvent-induced breathing.
- Observation of cooperative linker tilting and cluster reorientation.
- Identification of localized screw dislocations facilitating strain accommodation during framework expansion.
Conclusions:
- Solvent-induced breathing in MIL-88B is a complex process involving coordinated structural rearrangements.
- Defects, specifically screw dislocations, play a critical role in accommodating large strains during MOF expansion.
- This study provides unprecedented atomic-scale insights into MOF dynamic behavior.
