Switchable gate-opening effect in metal–organic polyhedra assemblies through solution processing

Gavin A. Craig, Patrick Larpent, Shinpei Kusaka, Ryotaro Matsuda, Susumu Kitagawa, Shuhei Furukawa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Citations (Scopus)
20 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Gate-opening gas sorption is known for metal–organic frameworks, and is associated with structural flexibility and advantageous properties for sensing and gas uptake. Here, we show that gate-opening is also possible for metal–organic polyhedra (MOPs), and depends on the molecular organisation in the lattice. Thanks to the solubility of MOPs, several interchangeable solvatomorphs of a lantern-type MOP were synthesised via treatment with different solvents. One phase obtained through use of methanol induced a gate-opening effect in the lattice in response to carbon dioxide uptake. The sorption process was thoroughly investigated with in situ powder X-ray diffraction and simultaneous adsorption experiments. Meanwhile, solution processing of this flexible phase using THF led to a permanently porous phase without a gate-opening effect. Furthermore, we find that we can change the metallic composition of the MOP, and yet retain flexibility. By showing that gate-opening can be switched on and off depending on the solvent of crystallisation, these findings have implications for the solution-based processing of MOPs.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6463-6469
Number of pages7
JournalChemical Science
Volume9
Issue number31
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Jun 2018

Keywords

  • organic polyhedra assemblies
  • solution processing
  • metal–organic frameworks
  • gate-opening gas sorption

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