Functionalization of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with noble metals is a promising way for producing new versatile catalysts that will combine the outstanding porosity and specific surface area of MOFs with high catalytic activity of metals. Here, we present a comparative study of two metal-organic frameworks with UiO-67 topology, functionalized with palladium and platinum moieties. The initial structure of all studied samples contained palladium or platinum atoms grafted into MCl 2 bpydc (M = Pd, Pt) linkers of MOFs. The materials were further activated by heating in inert and H 2 -containing atmospheres. Both Pd-and Pt-functionalized materials exhibited high thermal stability upon heating in these atmospheres. The evolution of Pt and Pd species during the activation procedure was monitored by in situ time-resolved X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy.We applied multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) approach to XANES to unravel the intermediates which can be formed during the activation procedure. For UiO-67-Pd, only simple one-step transformation from PdCl 2 bpydc to Pd nanoparticles (NPs) was observed. For UiO-67-Pt, two additional intermediate states were observed, which behave differently depending on the activation procedure. Theoretical calculation of XANES spectra allowed us to suggest the 3D-atomic structures corresponding to each of the pure spectra determined by MCR-ALS. In addition, reaction enthalpies for different possible reaction routs were calculated within a density functional theory approach. Based on the experimental and theoretical results showed that Pd nanoparticles (NPs) tend to be formed in UiO-67-Pd samples irrespective of the activation procedure, while either Pt NPs or isolated Pt II active sites, grafted in the MOF framework may be formed in UiO-67-Pt samples depending on the activation temperature and atmosphere.
Functionalization of metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) with noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) is a challenging task. Conventional impregnation by metals often leads to agglomerates on the surface of MOF crystals. Functional groups on linkers interact with metal precursors and promote the homogeneous distribution of NPs in the pores of MOFs, but their uncontrolled localization can block channels and thus hinder mass transport. To overcome this problem, we created nucleation centers only in the defective pores of the UiO-66 MOF via the postsynthesis exchange. First, we have introduced defects into UiO-66 using benzoic acid as a modulator. Second, the modulator was exchanged for amino-benzoic acid. As a result, amino groups have decorated mainly the defective pores and attracted the Pd precursor after impregnation. The interaction of the metal precursor with amino groups and the growth of NPs were monitored by in situ infrared spectroscopy. Three processes were distinguished: the gaseous HCl release, NH 2 reactivation, and growth of extended Pd surfaces. Uniform Pd NPs were located in the pores because of the homogeneous distribution of the precursor and pore diffusion-limited nucleation rate. Our work demonstrates an alternative approach of controlled Pd incorporation into UiO-66 that is of great importance for the rational design of heterogeneous catalysts.
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