Understanding water reaction pathways to control the hydrolytic reactivity of a Zn metal-organic framework
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of porous materials that are of topical interest for their utility in water-related applications. Nevertheless, molecular-level insight into water-MOF interactions and MOF hydrolytic reactivity remains understudied. Herein, we report two hydrolytic pathways leading to either structural stability or framework decomposition of a MOF (ZnMOF-1). The two distinct ZnMOF-1 water reaction pathways are linked to the diffusion rate of incorporated guest dimethylformamide (DMF) molecules: slow diffusion of DMF triggers evolution of the initial MOF into a water-stable MOF product exhibiting enhanced water adsorption, while fast exchange of DMF with water leads to decomposition. The starting MOF, three intermediates from the water reaction pathways and the final stable MOF have been characterized. The documentation of two distinct pathways counters the stereotype that water exposure always leads to destruction or degradation of water-sensitive MOFs, and demonstrates that water-stable MOFs with improved adsorption properties can be prepared via controlled solvent-triggered structural rearrangement.
Authors
- Yining Huang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9265-5896)
- Shoushun Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4315-015X)
- Huirong Zhu
- Zelin Zhang
- Anmin Zheng (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7115-6510)
- Bryan E. G. Lucier (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9682-4324)
- Ivan Hung (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8916-739X)
- Zhehong Gan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9855-5113)
- Dongsheng Lei (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1640-0693)
- Wei Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8955-9497)
- Man Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4599-7328)
- Wanli Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0519-3684)
Institutions
- Western University (CA)
- Hengyang Normal University (CN)
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN)
- Lanzhou University of Technology (CN)
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (US)
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology (CN)
- Lanzhou University (CN)
- Wuhan Institute of Technology (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Nature Communications
- Published
- 2024-12-30
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54493-7
- Citations
- 20
- Primary Topic
- Metal-Organic Frameworks: Synthesis and Applications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.17
Funders
- National Science Foundation
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
- Lanzhou University
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
- National Research Council Canada
- Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
- Division of Materials Research
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences