Topological entrapment of macromolecules during the formation of metal–organic framework

Abstract

Here we pesent a novel approach to encapsulate large guest molecules in nanoporous materials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), via a newly discovered in situ crystal formation. This method has exciting prospects...

Assembly of an iron-based complex into a metal–organic framework: a space confinement strategy for isolation of mono-iron complexes to protect from dimerization

“…[17][18][19] They provide an ideal host matrix for guest metal complex (even macromolecules) isolation/entrapment due to their highly tuneable pore structure and pore chemistry. 8,12,[20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] In practice, there are two common ways for guest@MOFs installation: 12,21,29,30 (i) the direct immersion way, in which the obtained MOF crystals by standard synthesis are added to the highly concentrated solution of guest molecules, and after a suitable dispersion time, the pristine hybrid materials are washed to remove the complexes attached to the crystal surface; [30][31][32][33] (ii) the "one-pot" way, in which the guests are added as ingredients to the reaction solution of MOFs, and during the crystallization, they will be wrapped inside the nanochannels of MOFs. [34][35][36][37][38] Unfortunately, both the synthetic routes are inappropriate for [(TPA)Fe II -2L] 2+ (L = labile ligands, mainly solvent molecules) incorporation because of its intrinsic dimerization process, especially at high concentrations and in warm solution.…”