Article abstract


Nature Materials 7, 229 - 235 (2008)
Published online: 20 January 2008 | doi:10.1038/nmat2101

Subject Categories: Porous materials | Design synthesis and processing

Mechanical gas capture and release in a network solid via multiple single-crystalline transformations

Brett D. Chandler1, Gary D. Enright2, Konstantin A. Udachin2, Shane Pawsey2, John A. Ripmeester2, David T. Cramb1 & George K. H. Shimizu1


Metal–organic frameworks have demonstrated functionality stemming from both robustness and pliancy and as such, offer promise for a broad range of new materials. The flexible aspect of some of these solids is intriguing for so-called 'smart' materials in that they could structurally respond to an external stimulus. Herein, we present an open-channel metal–organic framework that, on dehydration, shifts structure to form closed pores in the solid. This occurs through multiple single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations such that snapshots of the mechanism of solid-state conversion can be obtained. Notably, the gas composing the atmosphere during dehydration becomes trapped in the closed pores. On rehydration, the pores open to release the trapped gas. Thus, this new material represents a thermally robust and porous material that is also capable of dynamically capturing and releasing gas in a controlled manner.

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  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
  2. Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada

Correspondence to: David T. Cramb1 e-mail: dcramb@ucalgary.ca

Correspondence to: George K. H. Shimizu1 e-mail: gshimizu@ucalgary.ca



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