Modulating the node topology of metal-organic frameworks for boosting catalytic aniline oxidation

Abstract

Topological tunability on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is one of the most distinguished features of them from traditional porous materials. Modulating the conformation of metal nodes for constructing MOFs to control the topology via facile methods, and the further performance regulation are beneficial for deep understanding of structure-property relationships and directions for developing high-performance catalysts. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of Hf-UiO-66 with Hf₁₂ node and hcp topology, as well as Hf-UiO-66 with Hf₆ node and fcu topology. The Hf-UiO-66 with hcp topology presents much higher performance than its fcu counterpart, along with high stability and broad substrates scope. The topological difference induced by the change of node structure considerably affects catalytic performance, which can be extended to other substrates and the iso-reticular UiO-67. The discrepancy may originate from the different steric environments between the μ-OH in Hf₁₂ and Hf₆ nodes.