An exceptionally stable 3D GdIII-organic framework for use as a magnetocaloric refrigerant

Abstract

An unexpected 3D Gd^III-organic framework containing random Gd^III-hydroxy “ladders”, {[Gd(OH)(H₂O)(abtc)_0.5]·H₂O}_n (1) (H₄abtc = 3,3′,5,5′-azobenzene-tetracarboxylic acid), has been synthesized by an easy solvothermal method with high yield, which is the first lanthanide-based complex including the H₄abtc ligand. It is noteworthy that the H₄abtc used in 1 is the largest ligand compared with all previously reported 3D magnetic refrigerants to date, however, the cryogenic magnetic refrigeration property suggests that 1 possesses a large magnetocaloric effect (MCE). More importantly, the superior stability of 1 towards air, water, solvents and particularly acidic or alkaline conditions, leads it to be a promising candidate for application as a magnetic refrigerant.