The introduction of functional side groups and the application of the mixed-linker concept in divalent MIL-53(Ni) materials

Abstract

Metal–organic framework materials with functional side groups are commonly used for various purposes like post-synthetic modification reactions or the tuning of pore geometries. Additionally, the mixed-linker concept, in which different linkers are statistically distributed over equivalent lattice positions, is a versatile approach to adjust the number of functional groups within the framework. However, neither functional side groups nor the mixed-linker approach have been used in MIL-53 materials with divalent metal ions yet. In the present work, we report on the synthesis of MIL-53(Ni)-Br(100), which contains only 2-bromoterephthalate as a linker molecule, and mixed-linker MIL-53(Ni)-Br(50) containing both terephthalate and 2-bromoterephthalate. These two materials represent the first functionalized and mixed-linker MIL-53 materials in combination with a divalent metal. Consequently, the possibilities to tailor the properties of the still rarely used divalent MIL-53 materials were expanded.