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Decoupled MOF Breathing: Pressure-Induced Reversal of Correlation between Orthogonal Motions in a Diamondoid Framework

  • David Ashworth
  • , Elliot J. Carrington
  • , Thomas M. Roseveare
  • , Charles J. McMonagle
  • , Martin R Ward
  • , Ashleigh J Fletcher
  • , Tina Düren
  • , Mark R Warren
  • , Stephen Moggach
  • , Iain D. H. Oswald
  • , Lee Brammer
  • University of Strathclyde
  • University of Sheffield
  • European Synchrotron Radiation Facility
  • Diamond Light Source, Division of Science,
  • The University of Western Australia

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Abstract

Responsive porous materials can outperform more rigid analogues in applications requiring precise triggering of molecular uptake/release, switching or gradual change in properties. We have uncovered an unprecedented dynamic response in the diamondoid MOF SHF-62, (Me 2NH 2)[In(BDC-NHC(O)Me) 2] (BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate), by using pressure as a stimulus. SHF-62 exhibits two distinct framework “breathing” motions involving changes in 1) cross-section and 2) length of its 1D pores. Our study using synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction in sapphire-capillary (p < 0.15 GPa) and diamond-anvil (0.15 < p < 5 GPa) cells reveals that different pressure regimes trigger positive and negative correlation between these two motions, requiring an unprecedented mechanical decoupling. Specifically, the DMF-solvated framework SHF-62-DMF, in DMF as pressure-transmitting medium, undergoes initial hyperexpansion of pore cross-section (p ≤ 0.9 GPa), due to DMF ingress, followed by reversal/reduction at p > 0.9 GPa while pore length contracts for all pressure increases, revealing decoupling of the two framework deformations. By contrast, nonpenetrating medium FC-70 imposes correlated compression (p < 1.4 GPa) of pore cross-section and length, resembling framework activation/desolvation motions but of greater magnitude. Similar behavior occurs for SHF-62-CHCl 3 in CHCl 3 (p < 0.14 GPa), suggesting minimal ingress of CHCl 3. These findings change our understanding of MOF dynamic responses and provide a platform for future responsive materials development.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere202504297
JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition
Volume64
Issue number27
Early online date28 Apr 2025
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2025

Data Availability Statement

Data underpinning this publication are openly available from the University of Strathclyde KnowledgeBase at https://doi.org/10.15129/acde92cc-96ae-4234-ace4-2164a407e5d1.

Funding

The authors are grateful to the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) for funding of the E-Futures Doctoral Training Centre (grant EP/G037477/1) and a Doctoral Prize fellowship for E.J.C. The authors also thank the EPSRC for funding that has supported D.J.A. and T.M.R. (grants EP/T034114/1, EP/T034068/1 and EP/T034130/1). The authors acknowledge Diamond Light Source for providing funding for a PhD studentship for C.J.M., as well as time and staff support on beamline I19 under proposals MT13958-1, MT15190-1, and CY29038-1. The authors are grateful to the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) for funding of the E\u2010Futures Doctoral Training Centre (grant EP/G037477/1) and a Doctoral Prize fellowship for E.J.C. The authors also thank the EPSRC for funding that has supported D.J.A. and T.M.R. (grants EP/T034114/1, EP/T034068/1 and EP/T034130/1). The authors acknowledge Diamond Light Source for providing funding for a PhD studentship for C.J.M., as well as time and staff support on beamline I19 under proposals MT13958\u20101, MT15190\u20101, and CY29038\u20101.

FundersFunder number
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research CouncilEP/G037477/1, EP/T034114/1 , EP/T034068/1 , EP/T034130/1
E‐Futures Doctoral Training CentreEP/T034114/1, EP/G037477/1, EP/T034130/1, EP/T034068/1

Keywords

  • Breathing
  • High pressure
  • In-situ diffraction
  • Metal-organic framework
  • Switching

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • General Chemistry

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