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Direct Observation of Molecular‐Level Template Action Leading to Self‐Assembly of a Porous Framework
Author(s) -
Bajpe Sneha R.,
Kirschhock Christine E. A.,
Aerts Alexander,
Breynaert Eric,
Absillis Gregory,
ParacVogt Tatja.,
Giebeler Lars,
Martens Johan A.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
chemistry – a european journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.687
H-Index - 242
eISSN - 1521-3765
pISSN - 0947-6539
DOI - 10.1002/chem.200903239
Subject(s) - nanoporous , aqueous solution , molecule , nanoscopic scale , keggin structure , spectroscopy , ion , metal organic framework , materials science , porosity , scattering , metal ions in aqueous solution , crystallography , chemistry , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , adsorption , organic chemistry , physics , optics , quantum mechanics , engineering , composite material
The molecular steps involved in the self‐assembly of Cu 3 (BTC) 2 (BTC=1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid) metal–organic frameworks that enclose Keggin‐type H 3 PW 12 O 40 heteropolyacid molecules were unraveled by using solution 17 O, 31 P, and 183 W NMR spectroscopy, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, near‐IR spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. In aqueous solution, complexation of Cu 2+ ions with Keggin‐type heteropolyacids was observed. Cu 2+ ions are arranged around the Keggin structure so that linking through benzenetricarboxylate groups results in the formation of the Cu 3 (BTC) 2 MOF structure HKUST‐1. This is a unique instance in which a templating mechanism that relies on specific molecular‐level matching and leads to explicit nanoscale building units can be observed in situ during formation of the synthetic nanoporous material.