Professor Joe Zhou (Texas A&M University)

Title: "Function-Guided Pore Engineering of MOFs through Sequential Linker Installation"

Abstract: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a versatile class of crystalline materials, allowing precise control over structure and function through the combination of metal nodes, organic linkers, and functional guests.1 Among thestrategies for structural tuning, sequential linker installation (SLI) is particularly effective for adding functional moieties at specific positions.2 By using open metal-coordinating sites and 'missing-linker pockets' in Zr6-cluster-based frameworks such as PCN-606, PCN-608, PCN-700, and PCN-808, SLI facilitates the careful incorporation of tailored linkers. Thisprecise control is confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, enabling the design of robust, multifunctional architectures with enhanced stability and adaptability. Recently, we applied SLI to design MOFs with precisely positioned functional linkers for applications in luminescence recognition, adsorption and separation, and catalysis. For molecular recognition, we introduced rationally designed functional groups that selectively bind specific molecules in complex mixtures.3-5 In adsorption and separation, we adjusted pore size and chemical environments through the choice of installed linkers, significantly improving selectivity for specific species in challenging separations.6,7 In catalysis, SLI allowed us to organize active sites at specific locations within the framework, enhancing the efficiency of catalytic processes.8- 10 These studies showcase the versatility of SLI in developing advanced MOFs for various functional applications. These pioneering studies not only underscore the versatility of SLI in delivering targeted functionalities but also lay a solid foundation for the rational design of advanced MOFs across diverse functional domains. The potential of SLI in revolutionizing the field of MOF pore engineering is immense, and we look forward to seeing its future applications.

References:

1. H.-C. Zhou, J. R. Long, O. M. Yaghi, Chem. Rev. 2012, 112, 673-674.

2. Z. Han, Y . Yang, J. Rushlow, R.-R. Liang, H.-C. Zhou, Acc. Chem. Res. 2024, 57, 3217-3226.

3. Z. Han, K.-Y . Wang, R.-R. Liang, Y . Yang, J. Huo, H.-C. Zhou, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2025, 64, e202420882.

4. Z. Han, Y . Guo, R. Liang, K.-Y . Wang, Y . Yang, Y . Mao, T. Sun, M. Wang, Y . Garcia, P. R. Taylor, W. Shi, H.-C. Zhou, CCS Chem. 2025, 7, 1396-1402.

5. Z. Han, T. Sun, R.-R. Liang, Y . Guo, Y . Yang, M. Wang, Y. Mao, P. R. Taylor, W. Shi, K.-Y.Wang, H.-C. Zhou, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2024, 146, 15446-15452.

6. J. Pang, S. Yuan, J.-S. Qin, C. T. Lollar, N. Huang, J. Li, Q. Wang, M. Wu, D. Yuan, M. Hong, H.-C. Zhou, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019, 141, 3129-3136.

7. S. Yuan, Y .-P. Chen, J.-S. Qin, W. Lu, L. Zou, Q. Zhang, X. Wang, X. Sun, H.-C. Zhou, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138, 8912-8919.

8. J. Pang, Z. Di, J.-S. Qin, S. Yuan, C. T. Lollar, J. Li, P. Zhang, M. Wu, D. Yuan, M. Hong, H.-C. Zhou, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142, 15020-15026.

9. S. Yuan, L. Zou, H. Li, Y .-P. Chen, J. Qin, Q. Zhang, W. Lu, M. B. Hall, H.-C. Zhou, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 10776-10780.

10. S. Yuan, Y .-P. Chen, J. Qin, W. Lu, X. Wang, Q. Zhang, M. Bosch, T.-F. Liu, X. Lian, H.-C. Zhou, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 14696-14700.