Controllable synthesis of isoreticular pillared-layer MOFs: gas adsorption, iodine sorption and sensing small molecules

Abstract

Five isostructural pillared-layer MOFs (metal–organic frameworks) have been constructed by selection of layers and size-alterable pillar ligands. These MOFs show similar structures but different interlayer distances, pore volumes and pore surface functionalizations depending on the lengths and functions of pillar ligands. 1–5 display a certain degree of framework stabilities, and also exhibit CO₂ uptakes. In addition, 1 can serve as a host for encapsulating I₂ and exhibit an outstanding performance in reversible adsorption of iodine molecules. Furthermore, 1–5 can be used to separate dye molecules based on the size-exclusion effect and 3 can be employed as a column-chromatographic filler to separate Rhodamine B (RB) and Methylene Blue (MB).