Near-infrared light triggered release of ethane from a photothermal metal-organic framework

It is highly desired to develop a new strategy for the regeneration of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) adsorbents as the complete release of ethane from MOFs needs a larger energy input via traditional techniques. Herein, we explored the desorption of ethane from a photothermal MOF composite (T/Zr-PDI) with high efficiency via light-triggered remote heating. Under the irradiation of near-infrared (NIR) light, the derived radical anions from T/Zr-PDI can convert NIR light into thermal energy and the temperature of the whole adsorbent can be quickly elevated to 87 °C in several minutes owing to its high photothermal conversion efficiency. Under the optimal conditions, 100% desorption of ethane can be realized. Different from the traditional desorption techniques, light-triggered remote heating only heats the adsorbent via irradiating the photothermal PDI parts, further transferring to the surroundings. In this project, the PDIs as “nanoheaters” are homogeneously distributed which is beneficial to solve the heat insulation problem of MOFs. This current light-triggered desorption strategy might provide a solution for the development of a new type of effective desorption system.