Porous Zn-MOF with two diverse cages synthesized using functionalized biphenyl tricarboxylic acid: CO2 selective adsorption and fixation

Abstract

A cage-like MOF has demonstrated tremendous potential in gas selective adsorption and CO₂ catalysis due to its distinctive structural features. Accordingly, a novel cage-like MOF 1 was synthesized using the biphenyl tricarboxylic acid ligand, (1,1′-biphenyl)-2,4,6-tricarboxylic acid (H₃L), and Zn(II) via a solvothermal reaction. 1 exhibited a porous three-dimensional framework formed by interconnected dodecahedron (5.2 Å) and octahedron (4.7 Å) cages, which was based on an interesting 13-connected fcu topology. Significantly, 1a has excellent adsorption properties for C₂H₂ and CO₂ and selective separation performance for C₂H₂/CO₂, C₂H₂/CH₄, and CO₂/CH₄. Moreover, under the action of the Lewis acid sites, 1a also shows highly efficient and recyclable catalytic properties for the reaction of CO₂ with various epoxides.