Water vapour sorption properties of a family of square lattice topology porous coordination networks

Abstract

Porous coordination networks (PCNs) such as metal–organic frameworks are of topical interest thanks to their potential utility as sorbents for gas and vapour separations and/or storage. Interpenetrated PCNs, some of which offer promise for gas separations, remain relatively understudied in the context of water vapour sorption. Herein, we report an in-depth study of the water vapour sorption properties of a family of square lattice topology (sql) PCNs of general formula sql-[bipy,squa]-M-aqua (sql-M-aqua, M = Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, bipy = 4,4-bipyridine, squa = squarate). This family, several of which have been previously reported (Co, Ni, Mn), exist as rectangular grids that exhibit 2-fold inclined interpenetration, thereby forming ultramicroporous 3D supramolecular networks. Water vapour sorption studies of sql-M-aqua (M = Mn, Co, Ni, Zn) revealed S-shaped water vapour sorption isotherms with steps consistently below 10% relative humidity (RH) and little hysteresis. Such properties are pertinent to atmospheric water harvesting in arid regions (<30% RH). Water vapour humidity swing experiments (0–30% RH, 300 K) indicated hydrolytic stability for sql-M-aqua (M = Mn, Co, Ni, Zn) and retention of working capacity over 100 sorption/desorption cycles. sql-M-aqua (M = Mn, Co, Ni, Zn) also exhibit CO2/N2 selectivity.

Graphical abstract: Water vapour sorption properties of a family of square lattice topology porous coordination networks

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
08 Apr 2025
Accepted
23 Jul 2025
First published
24 Jul 2025
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

CrystEngComm, 2025, Advance Article

Water vapour sorption properties of a family of square lattice topology porous coordination networks

S. M. Shabangu, A. C. Eaby, L. Croitor, A. A. Bezrukov and M. J. Zaworotko, CrystEngComm, 2025, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D5CE00385G

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements