Conversion of CO₂ into porous metal-organic framework monoliths

We demonstrate the one-pot conversion of CO₂ into amorphous formate-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) that form grain-boundary-free monoliths with permanent porosity through hot-pressing. The local coordination geometries of metal ions are characterized using solid-state NMR and synchrotron total X-ray scattering analyses. Hot-pressing decreases the pore sizes of monoliths, enhancing the adsorption selectivity toward H₂. The key for the formation of microporous monoliths is the coordination network in which formate, capable of adopting various coordination modes, is connected via stable metal–oxygen bonds.