Cage-like pores of a metal–organic framework for separations and encapsulation of Pd nanoparticles for efficient catalysis

Abstract

A porous metal–organic framework, {[Zn(BDC)_1/2(trz)]·DMAC}_n (Zn-BDC), was synthesized hydrothermally with the decomposition of 2,3-di(1,2,4-triazole)quinoxaline ligand (H₂BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid; Htrz = 1,2,4-1H-triazole). Structural analysis indicates the porosity of Zn-BDC with distorted oblong cages. Gas adsorption studies of N₂ and Ar on activated Zn-BDC reveal the BET surface areas of 587.3 and 519.5 m² g⁻¹, respectively. Considering the certain size of the cages, Zn-BDC can separate organic compounds with different sizes through a MOF-column chromatographic method and deliver 5-fluorouracil, which can act as an anticancer drug. Zn-BDC has also been employed as a support for Pd nanoparticles. The results of catalytic hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol demonstrate that the catalytic activity of Pd@Zn-BDC is superior enough compared to most Pd catalysts reported.