Topological entrapment of macromolecules during the formation of metal–organic framework

Abstract

Here we present our preliminary results on a novel approach to encapsulate large guest molecules in nanoporous materials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), via a newly discovered in situ crystal formation. This method has exciting prospects not only in the design of new organic/inorganic hybrids but also in capturing and separating molecules that are significantly larger than the actual pore size of the host MOF.