Selective CO2 Sorption Using Compartmentalized Coordination Polymers with Discrete Voids*.

Carbon capture and storage with porous materials is one of the most promising technologies to minimize CO2 release into the atmosphere. Here, we report a family of compartmentalized coordination polymers (CCPs) capable of capturing gas molecules in a selective manner based on two novel tetrazole-based ligands. Crystal structures have been modelled theoretically under the Density Functional Theory (DFT) revealing the presence of discrete voids of 380 Å3 . Single gas adsorption isotherms of N2 , CH4 and CO2 have been measured, obtaining a loading capacity of 0.6, 1.7 and 2.2 molecules/void at 10 bar and at 298 K for the best performing material. Moreover, they present excellent selectivity and regenerability for CO2 in mixtures with CH4 and N2 in comparison with other reported materials, as evidenced by dynamic breakthrough gas experiments. These frameworks are therefore great candidates for separation of gas mixtures in the chemical engineering industry.

MOF-Mediated Synthesis of Supported Fe-Doped Pd Nanoparticles under Mild Conditions for Magnetically Recoverable Catalysis*.

Metal-organic framework (MOF)-driven synthesis is considered as a promising alternative for the development of new catalytic materials with well-designed active sites. This synthetic approach is used here to gradually transform a new bimetallic MOF, with Pd and Fe as the metal components, by the in situ generation of aniline under mild conditions. This methodology results in a compositionally homogeneous nanocomposite formed by Fe-doped Pd nanoparticles that, in turn, are supported on iron oxide-doped carbon. The nanocomposite has been fully characterized by several techniques such as IR and Raman spectroscopy, TEM, XPS, and XAS. The performance of this nanocomposite as an heterogeneous catalyst for hydrogenation of nitroarenes and nitrobenzene coupling with benzaldehyde has been evaluated, proving it to be an efficient and reusable catalyst.

Solvent-Free Synthesis of ZIFs: A Route toward the Elusive Fe(II) Analogue of ZIF-8.

Herein we report the synthesis of an elusive metal-organic framework, the iron(II) analogue of ZIF-8 with the formula Fe(2-methylimidazolate)2, here denoted as MUV-3. The preparation of this highly interesting porous material, inaccessible by common synthetic procedures, occurs in a solvent-free reaction upon addition of an easily detachable template molecule, yielding single crystals of MUV-3. This methodology can be extended to other metals and imidazolate derivatives, allowing the preparation of ZIF-8, ZIF-67, and the unprecedented iron(II) ZIFs Fe(2-ethylimidazolate)2 and Fe(2-methylbenzimidazolate)2. The different performance of MUV-3 toward NO sorption, in comparison to ZIF-8, results from the chemisorption of NO molecules, which also causes a gate-opening behavior. Finally, the controlled pyrolysis of MUV-3 results in a N-doped graphitic nanocomposite that exhibits extraordinary performance for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), with low overpotential at different current densities (316 mV at 10 mA cm-2), low Tafel slope (37 mV per decade), high maximum current density (710 mA cm-2 at 2.0 V vs RHE), and great durability (15 h).

Cellular Uptake, Intracellular Trafficking, and Stability of Biocompatible Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) Particles in Kupffer Cells.

Rapid intracellular degradation of current drug-delivery nanocarriers presents a challenge for achieving ideal controlled drug-release kinetics. Recent in vivo studies have shown that porous hybrid metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), belonging to the Materials of Institute Lavoisier (MIL) family, display prolonged biodegradation behavior. In this study, we investigated stability of these materials in Kupffer cells, a relevant target for the treatment of several life-threatening immune-mediated liver diseases. For this aim, we selected fluorescently labeled microporous MOF particles of MIL88A and MIL88B-NH2, built from trimers of Fe(III) octahedra, as an inorganic component, and fumarate (MIL88A) or 2-amino terephthalate (MIL88B-NH2), as an organic linker. Cell uptake inhibition analysis of MOF particles by a Kupffer cell line (KUP5) has shown that phagocytosis is the major endocytic pathway involved in MIL88B-NH2 internalization. Investigation of MOF interaction with KUP5 cells by real-time microscopy indicated that the structure of MIL88B-NH2 MOFs stays intact up to 15 min after uptake, followed by MOF accumulation in acidic cell compartments and slow degradation, reaching a minimum of 10-15% decomposition over 24 h. MIL88A particles demonstrated similar degradation kinetics. Analysis of the mechanisms of MOF degradation has shown that inhibition of phagosome acidification as well as protease activity does not prevent decomposition of MIL88B-NH2 particles. Thus, our study demonstrates the relative stability of the MOF structure in the phagolysosomal environment of Kupffer cells, revealing potential use of these materials for controlled drug delivery in a case of immune-mediated liver diseases.

GraftFast Surface Engineering to Improve MOF Nanoparticles Furtiveness.

Controlling the outer surface of nanometric metal-organic frameworks (nanoMOFs) and further understanding the in vivo effect of the coated material are crucial for the convenient biomedical applications of MOFs. However, in most studies, the surface modification protocol is often associated with significant toxicity and/or lack of selectivity. As an alternative, how the highly selective and general grafting GraftFast method leads, through a green and simple process, to the successful attachment of multifunctional biopolymers (polyethylene glycol (PEG) and hyaluronic acid) on the external surface of nanoMOFs is reported. In particular, effectively PEGylated iron trimesate MIL-100(Fe) nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit suitable grafting stability and superior chemical and colloidal stability in different biofluids, while conserving full porosity and allowing the adsorption of bioactive molecules (cosmetic and antitumor agents). Furthermore, the nature of the MOF-PEG interaction is deeply investigated using high-resolution soft X-ray spectroscopy. Finally, a cell penetration study using the radio-labeled antitumor agent gemcitabine monophosphate (3 H-GMP)-loaded MIL-100(Fe)@PEG NPs shows reduced macrophage phagocytosis, confirming a significant in vitro PEG furtiveness.

A Smart Metal-Organic Framework Nanomaterial for Lung Targeting.

Despite high morbidity and mortality associated with lung diseases, addressing drugs towards lung tissue remains a pending task. Particle lung filtration has been proposed for passive lung targeting and drug delivery. However, toxicity issues derived from the long-term presence of the particles must be overcome. By exploiting some of the ignored properties of nanosized metal-organic frameworks it is possible to achieve impressive antitumoral effects on experimental lung tumors, even without the need to engineer the surface of the material. In fact, it was discovered that, based on unique pH-responsiveness and reversible aggregation behaviors, nanoMOF was capable of targeting lung tissue. At the neutral pH of the blood, the nanoMOFs form aggregates with the adequate size to be retained in lung capillaries. Within 24 h they then disaggregate and release their drug payload. This phenomenon was compatible with lung tissue physiology.

Solvent-Free Synthesis of a Pillared Three-Dimensional Coordination Polymer with Magnetic Ordering.

A new magnetic coordination polymer, [Fe(bipy)(im)2] (bipy = 4,4-bipyridine and im = imidazole), has been synthesized in a solvent-free reaction. Structural analysis reveals a pillared 3D coordination polymer composed by neutral layers, formed by iron(II) and imidazolate linkers, interconnected by bipy ligands which serve as pillars. Magnetic measurements show that the material magnetically orders at low temperatures (Tc = 14.5 K) as a weak ferromagnet, likely due to a spin canting.

A SIM-MOF: three-dimensional organisation of single-ion magnets with anion-exchange capabilities.

The formation of a metal-organic framework (MOF) with nodes that have single-molecule magnet (SMM) behaviour has been achieved by using mononuclear lanthanoid analogues, also known as single-ion magnets (SIMs), which enormously simplifies the challenging issue of making SMM-MOFs. Here we present a rational design of a family of MOFs, [Ln(bipyNO)4](TfO)3⋅x solvent (Ln=Tb (1); Dy (2); Ho (3); Er (4); TfO=triflate), in which the lanthanoid centres have an square-antiprismatic coordination environment suitable for SIM behaviour. Magnetic measurements confirm the existence of slow magnetic relaxation typical of SMMs, which has been rationalised by means of a radial effective charge model. In addition, we have explored the incorporation of bulky polyoxometalates (POMs) into the cavities of the SIM-MOF by anion exchange, finding that they do not interfere with the slow magnetic relaxation. This demonstrates the robustness of the frameworks and opens the possibility of incorporating non-innocent anions.

A mixed-ligand approach for spin-crossover modulation in a linear Fe(II) coordination polymer.

In this work, we present a family of Fe(II) coordination polymers of general formula [Fe(btzx)(3-3x)(btix)(3x)](ClO4)2 with interesting spin-crossover properties. These coordination polymers have been synthesized using chemical mixtures of two different but closely related ligands, 1,4-bis(tetrazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene (btzx) and 1,4-bis(triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene (btix), and the effect of a gradual substitution of the ligand in the spin transition temperature has been investigated. Several chemical mixtures have been structurally characterized by X-ray powder diffraction indicating a clear critical amount in the composition of the mixture after which mixed phases rather than a single phase comprising mixed components are observed. Importantly, this approach causes the appearance of a new transition at lower temperatures that is not present in the pure [Fe(L)3](ClO4)2 systems.

Heteroepitaxial MOF-on-MOF Photocatalyst for Solar-Driven Water Splitting.

Assembly of different metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into hybrid MOF-on-MOF heterostructures has been established as a promising approach to develop synergistic performances for a variety of applications. Here, we explore the performance of a MOF-on-MOF heterostructure by epitaxial growth of MIL-88B(Fe) onto UiO-66(Zr)-NH2 nanoparticles. The face-selective design and appropriate energy band structure alignment of the selected MOF constituents have permitted its application as an active heterogeneous photocatalyst for solar-driven water splitting. The composite achieves apparent quantum yields for photocatalytic overall water splitting at 400 and 450 nm of about 0.9%, values that compare much favorably with previous analogous reports. Understanding of this high activity has been gained by spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization together with scanning transmission and transmission electron microscopy (STEM, TEM) measurements. This study exemplifies the possibility of developing a MOF-on-MOF heterostructure that operates under a Z-scheme mechanism and exhibits outstanding activity toward photocatalytic water splitting under solar light.

A zero-valent palladium cluster-organic framework.

Acquiring spatial control of nanoscopic metal clusters is central to their function as efficient multi-electron catalysts. However, dispersing metal clusters on surfaces or in porous hosts is accompanied by an intrinsic heterogeneity that hampers detailed understanding of the chemical structure and its relation to reactivities. Tethering pre-assembled molecular metal clusters into polymeric, crystalline 2D or 3D networks constitutes an unproven approach to realizing ordered arrays of chemically well-defined metal clusters. Herein, we report the facile synthesis of a {Pd3} cluster-based organometallic framework from a molecular triangulo-Pd3(CNXyl)6 (Xyl = xylyl; Pd3) cluster under chemically mild conditions. The formally zero-valent Pd3 cluster readily engages in a complete ligand exchange when exposed to a similar, ditopic isocyanide ligand, resulting in polymerization into a 2D coordination network (Pd3-MOF). The structure of Pd3-MOF could be unambiguously determined by continuous rotation 3D electron diffraction (3D-ED) experiments to a resolution of ~1.0 Å (>99% completeness), showcasing the applicability of 3D-ED to nanocrystalline, organometallic polymers. Pd3-MOF displays Pd03 cluster nodes, which possess significant thermal and aerobic stability, and activity towards hydrogenation catalysis. Importantly, the realization of Pd3-MOF paves the way for the exploitation of metal clusters as building blocks for rigidly interlocked metal nanoparticles at the molecular limit.

Spin-crossover modification through selective CO2 sorption.

We present a spin-crossover Fe(II) coordination polymer with no permanent channels that selectively sorbs CO2 over N2. The one-dimensional chains display internal voids of ∼9 Å diameter, each being capable to accept one molecule of CO2 at 1 bar and 273 K. X-ray diffraction provides direct structural evidence of the location of the gas molecules and reveals the formation of O═C═O(δ(-))···π interactions. This physisorption modifies the spin transition, producing a 9 K increase in T1/2.

Hybrid magnetic superconductors formed by TaS2 layers and spin crossover complexes.

The restacking of charged TaS2 nanosheets with molecular counterparts has so far allowed for the combination of superconductivity with a manifold of other molecule-intrinsic properties. Yet, a hybrid compound that blends superconductivity with spin crossover switching has still not been reported. Here we continue to exploit the solid-state/molecule-based hybrid approach for the synthesis of a layered TaS2-based material that hosts Fe(2+) complexes with a spin switching behavior. The chemical design and synthetic aspects of the exfoliation/restacking approach are discussed, highlighting how the material can be conveniently obtained in the form of highly oriented easy-to-handle flakes. Finally, proof of the presence of both phenomena is provided by the use of a variety of physical characterization techniques. The likely sensitivity of the intercalated Fe(2+) complexes to external stimuli such as light opens the door for the study of synergistic effects between the superconductivity and the spin crossover switching at low temperatures.

Alternative protein encapsulation with MOFs: overcoming the elusive mineralization of HKUST-1 in water.

Protein encapsulation by in situ formation of MOFs is a valuable strategy to immobilise and protect these bioentities. However the required biocompatible conditions limits the scope of MOFs under investigation, particularly in the case of hydrolytically unstable MOFs such as HKUST-1. We report alternative synthetic procedures to obtain protein@HKUST-1 biocomposites from related Cu-BTC dense biocomposites. pH dependent dense phase precursors are first obtained and their transformations into HKUST-1 are characterized. Encapsulation efficiency is affected by the protein's nature, and can be modulated by the sequential or simultaneous addition of MOF precursors.

Hierarchical mesoporous NanoMUV-2 for the selective delivery of macromolecular drugs.

Although Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have received attention as drug delivery systems, their application in the delivery of macromolecules is limited by their pore size and opening. Herein, we present the synthesis of nanostructured MUV-2, a hierarchical mesoporous iron-based MOF that can store high payloads of the macromolecular drug paclitaxel (ca. 23% w/w), increasing its selectivity towards HeLa cancer cells over HEK non-cancerous cells. Moreover, this NanoMUV-2 permits full degradation under simulated physiological conditions while maintaining biocompatibility, and is amenable to specific surface modifications that increase its cell permeation, efficient cytosol delivery and cancer-targeting effect, further intensifying the cancer selectivity of paclitaxel.

Imparting structural robustness of metal-organic cages based on oxo-dimolybdenum clusters.

A family of robust and stable molybdenum-based metal-organic cages have been obtained based on the [Mo2O2(µ2-O)2]2+ secondary building unit. The resulting cages are decorated with different pyrdine derivatives that impart structural stability, resulting in the structural elucidation of the activated cage with single-crystal diffraction. The chemical robustness of the cage is also demonstrated by the post-synthetic modification of the cage, which allows the exchange of the pyridine derivatives without rupture of the cage.

ZIF-8 encapsulation improves the antifungal activity of benzaldehyde and methyl anthranilate in films.

In this work, two ZIF-8-based biocomposites were obtained by entrapping the biomolecules benzaldehyde and methyl anthranilate via direct impregnation with fast encapsulation kinetics and high molecule payloads were achieved. The obtained biocomposites exhibit an enhanced antifungal activity against Penicilium expansum after integration in biopolymeric zein films in comparison with the action of free molecules, making these biomaterials promising candidates for food preservation and packaging applications.

Ultramicroporous iron-isonicotinate MOFs combining size-exclusion kinetics and thermodynamics for efficient CO2/N2 gas separation.

Two ultramicroporous 2D and 3D iron-based Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have been obtained by solvothermal synthesis using different ratios and concentrations of precursors. Their reduced pore space decorated with pendant pyridine from tangling isonicotinic ligands enables the combination of size-exclusion kinetic gas separation, due to their small pores, with thermodynamic separation, resulting from the interaction of the linker with CO2 molecules. This combined separation results in efficient materials for dynamic breakthrough gas separation with virtually infinite CO2/N2 selectivity in a wide operando range and with complete renewability at room temperature and ambient pressure.

Combination of magnetic susceptibility and electron paramagnetic resonance to monitor the 1D to 2D solid state transformation in flexible metal-organic frameworks of Co(II) and Zn(II) with 1,4-bis(triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene.

Two families of coordination polymers, {[M(btix)(2)(OH(2))(2)]·2NO(3)·2H(2)O}(n) [M = Co (1), Zn (2), Co-Zn (3); btix = 1,4-bis(triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene] and {[M(btix)(2)(NO(3))(2)]}(n) [M = Co (4), Zn (5), Co-Zn (6)], have been synthesized and characterized. The two conformations of the ligand, syn and anti, lead to one-dimensional (1D) cationic chains or two-dimensional (2D) neutral grids. Extrusion of the water molecules of the 1D compounds results in an irreversible transformation into the 2D compounds, which involves a change in conformation of the btix ligands and a rearrangement in the metal environment with cleavage and reformation of covalent bonds. This structural transformation has been followed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetic susceptibility measurements to monitor the minor modifications that the metal centers suffer.

Dynamic magnetic materials based on the cationic coordination polymer [Cu(btix)2]n(2n+) [btix = 1,4-bis(triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene]: tuning the structural and magnetic properties through anion exchange.

A three-dimensional coordination polymer, [Cu(btix)(2)(BF(4))(2)](n) [btix = 1,4-bis(triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene], with antiferromagnetic interactions occurring via the organic ligand, has been prepared and characterized. It has been shown to permit the exchange of anionic species in the crystalline network with modification of the magnetic properties. Coordinated BF(4)(-) can be reversibly exchanged by different anions with (NO(3)(-) and Cl(-)) or without (PF(6)(-) and ClO(4)(-)) dynamic response of the organic ligand, which acts as the only linker between the metal centers. Interestingly, an irreversible exchange occurs with N(3)(-) anions to generate a new coordination polymer, [Cu(btix)(N(3))(2)](n), whose structure has been determined ab initio by powder X-ray diffraction, revealing a totally different connectivity between the Cu(II) centers. These structural transformations are accompanied by a change of the magnetic properties, which have been detected by electron paramagnetic resonance and magnetic susceptibility measurements.