A unique 3D metal-organic framework based on a 12-connected pentanuclear Cd(II) cluster exhibiting proton conduction.

Solvothermal reaction of a TCA (TCA = 4,4',4''-tricarboxytriphenylamine) ligand with Cd(NO3)2 yielded a unique 3D 12-connected metal-organic framework of , which can be simplified as a (3,3,12)-connected 3-nodal net with a Schläfli symbol of {4(16)·6(36)·8(14)}{4(2)·6}2{4(3)}2 based on a 12-connected node of a pentanuclear Cd(ii) cluster and a three-connected organic linker of TCA. Compound exhibits both photoluminescence and proton conductivity. The luminescence properties of originate from the triphenylamine chromophore of the TCA ligand. The proton conductivity of is supposed to be relevant to the structure attributes of . On the one hand, the curved narrow channels lined with a hydrophilic pentanuclear Cd(ii) cluster in can improve the water affinity of framework and facilitate the water absorption under humid conditions. On the other hand, the coordinated water molecules within the pentanuclear Cd(ii) cluster can produce a mobile H(+) proton due to coordination activation. At 80 °C and 85% RH (relative humidity), compound shows the proton conductivity of 1.45 × 10(-6) S cm(-1).