A detailed description of the CO molecule adsorbed in InOF-1

Abstract

CO is extremely toxic to humans since it can combine with haemoglobin to form carboxy-haemoglobin that reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), in particular InOF-1, are currently receiving preferential attention for the separation and capture of CO. In this investigation we report a theoretical study based on periodic density-functional-theory (DFT) analysis and matching experimental results (in situ DRIFTS). The aim of this article is to describe the non-covalent interactions between the functional groups of InOF-1 and the CO molecule since they are crucial to understand the adsorption mechanism of these materials. Our results show that the CO molecule mainly interacts with the μ₂-OH hydroxo groups of InOF-1 through O–H⋯O hydrogen bonds, and C⋯π interactions by the biphenyl rings of the MOF. These results provide useful information on the CO adsorption mechanisms in InOF-1.