Transforming surface-modified metal organic framework powder into room temperature porous liquids via an electrical balance strategy

Abstract

Combining both the advantages of a porous solid and a fluent liquid, room temperature porous liquids (RTPLs) have attracted great attention. However, only a very small number of RTPLs have been reported due to their extremely difficult synthesis. Here, by making use of electrostatic and steric interactions, we propose a convenient electrical balance strategy, that is, homogenously dissolving a modified Metal Organic Framework (MOF) UiO-66 (with positive charges) in negatively charged poly(ethylene glycol)tailed sulfonate (PEGS). A novel RTPL was formed, named as UiO-66@OS@PEGS RTPL. The dual-regulations, namely the broad selection among numerous MOF networks as well as versatile bulky anionic liquids facilitate further extension of the RTPL design for various potential applications including task specific gas adsorption by adjusting the functional groups.