P-xylene-selective metal-organic frameworks: A case of topology-directed selectivity

Frederik Vermoortele, Michael Maes, Peyman Z. Moghadam, Matthew Lennox, Florence Ragon, Mohammed Boulhout, Shyam Biswas, Katrien G M Laurier, Isabelle Beurroies, Renaud Denoyel, Maarten Roeffaers, Norbert Stock, Tina Düren, Christian Serre, Dirk E. De Vos

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

150 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Para-disubstituted alkylaromatics such as p-xylene are preferentially adsorbed from an isomer mixture on three isostructural metal-organic frameworks: MIL-125(Ti) ([Ti8O8(OH)4(BDC)6]), MIL-125(Ti)-NH2 ([Ti8-O8(OH) 4(BDC-NH2)6]), and CAU-1(Al)-NH2 ([Al8(OH)4-(OCH3)8(BDC-NH 2)6]) (BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate). Their unique structure contains octahedral cages, which can separate molecules on the basis of differences in packing and interaction with the pore walls, as well as smaller tetrahedral cages, which are capable of separating molecules by molecular sieving. These experimental data are in line with predictions by molecular simulations. Additional adsorption and microcalorimetric experiments provide insight in the complementary role of the two cage types in providing the para selectivity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)18526-18529
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume133
Issue number46
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Nov 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Biochemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

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