Programmable Vertical Expansion of Bilayer 2D Supramolecular Frameworks via Molecular Pillar Engineering
Abstract Achieving quantitative control over interlayer spacing in multilayer two‐dimensional (2D) supramolecular organic frameworks (SOFs) remains a fundamental challenge. Here, we report a molecular pillar engineering strategy enabling programmable vertical expansion of bilayer architectures. By designing elongated bipyridine pillars L2/L3 (3.0/4.4 nm) with hydrophilic side chains, we transform a Zn‐porphyrin/CB[8] monolayer SOF ( m l ‐ 2 D ‐ S O F , 1.8 nm) into bilayers with precision‐tuned thicknesses: bl‐2D‐SOF‐2 (5.4 ± 0.2 nm) and bl‐2D‐SOF‐3 (6.7 ± 0.3 nm). Synchrotron small‐angle and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) lattice imaging, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirm structural regularity with Ångstrom‐level accuracy in layer spacing. Crucially, we establish a linear correlation between pillar length and interlayer distance, while multivalency‐driven assembly ensures >93% bilayer selectivity. This work pioneers quantitative 3D engineering in 2D SOFs, opening avenues for tailored nanoconfined environments.
Authors
- Shengbin Lei (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3142-5787)
- Bo Yang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9075-0694)
- Ting Zhou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7096-7610)
- Zhan‐Ting Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3954-0015)
- Xiaomei Gong
- Qiao‐Yan Qi
- Jia Tian (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8339-0563)
- Xingyu Guo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3456-5347)
- Biao Lv
Institutions
- Zhengzhou University (CN)
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Angewandte Chemie
- Published
- 2025-09-08
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.202516181
- Primary Topic
- Metal-Organic Frameworks: Synthesis and Applications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00