Light-harvesting, 3rd generation RuII/CoII MOF with a large, tubular channel aperture

Abstract

A photoactive, hetero-metallic Co^II/Ru^II-based metal–organic framework (MOF) with a large channel aperture, ca. 21 Å, is reported. The photophysical properties of the MOF are derived from the Ru^II nodes giving rise to emission centred at ca. 620 nm and relatively long triplet ³MLCT lifetimes. In addition to the optical attributes, the 1H-imidazo [4,5-f][1,10]-phenanthroline ligand imparts structural functionality to the MOF which is composed of alternating Co^II- and Ru^II-based nodes of Δ and Λ helicity. The framework maintains its integrity upon activation and shows gas sorption behaviour that is characteristic of mesoporous materials promoting high CO₂ sorption capacities and selectivities over N₂.