Quasi-MOF-immobilized metal nanoparticles for synergistic catalysis

Through partial deligandation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), quasi-MOFs with a transition structure between MOFs and metal compounds (such as metal oxides, nitrides, sulfides, and phosphides) can be fabricated. Quasi-MOFs can not only retain the porous structure of MOFs to a certain extent, but also expose the inorganic nodes to the guest species (e.g., metal nanoparticles) to show enhanced metal-support interaction for synergistic catalysis. This concept was first demonstrated by our group through calcining Au/MIL-101 at different temperatures under Ar flow to adjust the interface between Au nanoparticles and the inorganic Cr-O nodes. The obtained Au/quasi-MIL-101 showed superior enhanced catalytic activity in the oxidation of carbon monoxide. This study has inspired further research interest to fabricate other quasi-MOFs through controlled deligandation of mono- and bimetallic MOFs and their composites for the design of efficient catalysts.