Effect of CuBTC Composition, Structure, and Morphology on the Catalytic and Antimicrobial Properties

Abstract

Based on our own and published results of the HKUST-1 (Cu3BTC2)-type organometallic polymers study by X-ray diffraction (cell parameters, intensity ratio of a series of indicator reflections) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (Cu2+ ions local coordination environment), the phase compositions determined by the synthesis conditions were proposed. Different local environments of Cu2+ ions in Cu3BTC2 structures were established depending on the compositions of the precursors with copper ions and solvent and their ratio, solution for post-synthetic treatment of finished samples, temperature, and duration of the process. A relationship between the proposed compositions and the cell parameters, Cu–Cu interatomic distance, and sample morphology was found, which made it possible to explain the catalytic properties (conversion degree and selectivity) of Cu3BTC2 and to identify the most promising catalyst. The Cu3BTC2 antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus and possible reasons for the maximum values of the growth inhibition zone were discussed. The concept of “topological structural type” was introduced, which combined phases of different compositions of the HKUST-1 type.