The
mixed-ligand metal–organic framework (MOF) DMOF-1 has
been successfully synthesized via ligand: 2,3,5,6-tetramethylterephthalic
acid (TM), 9,10-anthracenedicarboxylic acid (ADC), 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic
acid (NDC), 2,5-dimethyl terephthalic acid (DM), and metal (Zn, Cu,
Ni, Co) substitutions to develop structure–property relationships
for adsorption of water and SO2, an acid gas commonly found
in flue gas streams at ppm-level concentrations. The substitution
of bulky ligands, TM and ADC, resulted in not only improved water
stability but also stability toward dry SO2, whereas substitution
with NDC and DM did not provide water or SO2 stability.
ADC-functionalized Zn–DMOF exhibited the greatest stability
under humid SO2 exposure of the ligand-functionalized materials
that were tested. Metal substitution of Cu into the DMOF–TM
structure resulted in the greatest stability of the M–DMOF–TM
samples upon exposure to humid SO2, and Ni–DMOF–TM
provided the second most stable material. These results follow the
prediction of the Irving–Williams series of metal node/ligand
bond strengths.