Transformation of a dense metal–organic
framework (MOF)
to a highly porous form can radically improve its applications in
drug loading. In this study, an environmentally friendly synthesis
of potassium acetate γ-cyclodextrin metal–organic framework
(γ-CD-MOF) in water was identified as a dense crystal form.
Importantly, the molecular arrangement of the dense γ-CD-MOF
was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction and other characterizations.
If the dense γ-CD-MOF was directly dried after separation from
the mother solution, it is incapable of loading a model drug. However,
the fresh dense crystal could be transformed into a highly porous
form by introducing ethanol. The crystal transformation was demonstrated
by enhanced drug loading capability and characterizations of powder
X-ray diffraction (PXRD), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and
the N2 adsorption isotherm. In all, the crystal transformation
from dense to highly porous form could significantly facilitate the
applications of γ-CD-MOFs in drug loading and other potential
fields.