Nanorods of PCN-222, a large-pore, zirconiumbased porphyrinic metal−organic framework (MOF), have been prepared through coordination modulationcontrolled crystal growth through competing monodentate ligands known as modulatorsfor incorporation into reverse osmosis thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes. Postsynthetic modification of the MOF node through binding of myristic acid (MA) altered channel dimensions and pore size distribution. The extent of MOF modification was characterized through Brunauer−Emmett−Teller gas sorption and 1 H NMR following digestion of the particles. TFN membranes containing PCN-222 nanoparticles modified with varying levels of MA were fabricated via dispersion in the aqueous phase during interfacial polymerization, and the resulting flux and rejection performance of each membrane were evaluated. Increased water flux was observed with increasing MA content in the PCN-222 nanorods. Up to 95% increase in water flux was observed for a TFN containing 0.01 wt % loading of PCN-222 nanorods with a 10:1 MA to linker ratio, while maintaining high salt rejection. The flux change was attributed to tunable water transport through the nanorod pore structure and also through rapid water transport pathways at the nanorod−polymer interface.

Electrochemical oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a promising synthetic route for 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) production. Here, we prepared a nickel(II)-modified covalent-organic framework (COF) film TpBpy-Ni@FTO for HMF electrooxidation. With a...

Metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) are emerging as a promising platform for solar energy conversion applications. Their potential utilization as efficient chromophores in artificial photosynthesis is closely related to the understanding of light-harvesting and energy transfer processes that occur within these molecular scaffolds. Herein, we present the photophysical investigation of Ru(II), Ir(III), and Os(II) polypyridyl complexes incorporated into the backbone of UiO-67. In this work, we systematically study the effect of spin−orbit coupling on dipole−dipole energy transfer in MOFs using steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic techniques. The results of our work indicate successful triplet-to-singlet energy transfer and a sizable increase in the transfer kinetics and critical distance, as direct consequences of strong spin−orbit couplings. Remarkably, the reported R 0 value for OsDCBPY (R 0 = 88 ± 10 Å) represents one of the largest Forster distances observed in an MOF. Collectively, this work contributes to the general knowledge of energy transfer in materials and provides groundwork for efficient utilization in artificial photosynthetic assemblies.

Defect engineering in metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) has recently become an area of significant research due to the possibility of enhancing material properties such as internal surface area and catalytic activity while maintaining stable 3D structures. Through a modulator screening study, the model Zr 4+ MOF, UiO-66, has been synthesized with control of particle sizes (100−1900 nm) and defect levels (2−24%). By relating these properties, two series were identified where one property remained constant, allowing for independent analysis of the defect level or particle size, which frequently change coincident with the modulator choice. The series were used to compare UiO-66 reactivity for the hydrolysis of a chemical warfare agent simulant, dimethyl 4-nitrophenylphosphate (DMNP). The rate of DMNP hydrolysis displayed high dependence on the external surface area, supporting a reaction dominated by surface interactions. Moderate to high concentrations of defects (14−24%) allow for the accessibility of some interior MOF nodes but do not substantially promote diffusion into the framework. Individual control of defect levels and particle sizes through modulator selection may provide useful materials for small molecular catalysis and provide a roadmap for similar engineering of other zirconium frameworks.