An unprecedented Cu6 cluster-based bimetallic MOF with multiple open sites for high CO2 capture and efficient CO2 conversion

Abstract

Based on the soft–hard acid–base theory, a novel bimetallic MOF (JLU-MOF108) has been successfully synthesized through a one-pot synthesis method. JLU-MOF108 is a mixed metal-based MOF, constructed from an unprecedented hexanuclear copper cluster (12-connected), indium metal center (4-connected) and a tetrazole-containing carboxylic acid ligand (3-connected), that exhibits a (3, 4, 12)-connected xag topology. In order to effectively enhance the CO₂ capture and cycloaddition catalytic performance, abundant open metal sites (OMSs), Lewis basic sites (LBSs) and specific pore sizes have been implanted in the JLU-MOF108 structure. Fascinatingly, the expected mixed metal-based MOF material has a high OMS density and suitable pore volume. The results show that JLU-MOF108 exhibits high CO₂ adsorption performance and excellent epichlorohydrin (ECH) catalysing capability in cycloaddition reactions. More importantly, the yield of ECH can reach up to 97%, which surpasses many reported MOF materials. Therefore, JLU-MOF108 can be a good candidate material for cycloaddition reactions and CO₂ storage.