We demonstrate a novel, simple synthetic method for metal (Ni) NPs in a MOF using the partial thermal decomposition of nickel(II) 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalate (Ni-MOF-74). The Ni NPs inside the Ni-MOF-74 are several nanometers in size, and the size can be precisely controlled by the heating conditions.

The separation of 1,3-butadiene from C hydrocarbon mixtures is imperative for the production of synthetic rubbers, and there is a need for a more economical separation method, such as a pressure swing adsorption process. With regard to adsorbents that enable C gas separation, [Zn(NO ip)(dpe)] (SD-65; NO ip=5-nitroisophthalate, dpe=1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethylene) is a promising porous material because of its structural flexibility and restricted voids, which provide unique guest-responsive accommodation. The 1,3-butadiene-selective sorption profile of SD-65 was elucidated by adsorption isotherms, in situ PXRD, and SSNMR studies and was further investigated by multigas separation and adsorption-desorption-cycle experiments for its application to separation technology.

We report on Cu/amUiO-66, a composite made of Cu nanoparticles (NPs) and amorphous [Zr 6 O 4 (OH) 4 -(BDC) 6 ] (amUiO-66, BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate), and Cu-ZnO/amUiO-66 made of Cu-ZnO nanocomposites and amUiO-66. Both structures were obtained via a spray-drying method and characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectra, powder X-ray diffraction and extended X-ray absorption fine structure. The catalytic activity of Cu/amUiO-66 for CO 2 hydrogenation to methanol was 3-fold that of Cu/crystalline UiO-66. Moreover, Cu-ZnO/amUiO-66 enhanced the methanol production rate by 1.5-fold compared with Cu/amUiO-66 and 2.5-fold compared with g-Al 2 O 3 -supported Cu-ZnO nanocomposites (Cu-ZnO/g-Al 2 O 3 ) as the representative hydrogenation catalyst. The high catalytic performance was investigated using in situ Fourier transform IR spectra. This is a first report of a catalyst comprising metal NPs and an amorphous metalorganic framework in a gas-phase reaction.

Hybrid materials of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted significant attention because of the wide variety of attractive properties derived from the two components. In the last decade,...