Stacked, twisted, and porous: structural diversity in photoactive porphyrin-based metal–organic frameworks

Abstract

We report the discovery and structural elucidation of four novel metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) constructed from Zn²⁺ nodes, Pd(II) meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine, and adenine linkers. Despite sharing identical molecular building units, these MOFs exhibit distinct structural topologies, including two polymorphs, and two frameworks featuring both Zn and Zn₄O clusters. These MOFs display porphyrin stacking motifs connected via one-dimensional Zn–adenine chains, enabling tunable pore structures and surface areas up to 508 m² g⁻¹. Photophysical studies confirm that these MOFs efficiently sensitize singlet oxygen generation under light irradiation.