Transient Catenation in a Zirconium-Based Metal-Organic Framework and Its Effect on Mechanical Stability and Sorption Properties

Lee Robison, Xinyi Gong, Austin M. Evans, Florencia A. Son, Xingjie Wang, Louis R. Redfern, Megan C. Wasson, Zoha H. Syed, Zhijie Chen, Karam B. Idrees, Timur Islamoglu, Massimiliano Delferro, William R. Dichtel, François Xavier Coudert, Nathan C. Gianneschi*, Omar K. Farha

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Interpenetration of two or more sublattices is common among many metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Herein, we study the evolution of one zirconium cluster-based, 3,8-connected MOF from its non-interpenetrated (NU-1200) to interpenetrated (STA-26) isomer. We observe this transient catenation process indirectly using ensemble methods, such as nitrogen porosimetry and X-ray diffraction, and directly, using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The approach detailed here will serve as a template for other researchers to monitor the interpenetration of their MOF samples at the bulk and single-particle limits. We investigate the mechanical stability of both lattices experimentally by pressurized in situ X-ray diffraction and nanoindentation as well as computationally with density functional theory calculations. Both lines of study reveal that STA-26 is considerably more mechanically stable than NU-1200. We conclude this study by demonstrating the potential of these MOFs and their mixed phases for the capture of gaseous n-hexane, used as a structural mimic for the chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard gas.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1503-1512
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume143
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 27 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Chemistry(all)
  • Biochemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

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