Biogenic metal–organic frameworks: 2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid as versatile building block

2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDA) is a promising renewable building block. It can be derived from cellulosic biomass and therefore poses no competition to the food chain. FDA is considered a valuable replacement for terephthalic acid in the industrial production of poly(ethylene terephthalate). Thus, the biogenic linker was investigated in the formation of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Novel crystalline compounds and gels have been synthesized and extensively characterized. The bi-functional linker forms Cu-, Al- and Fe-containing framework materials with hierarchical pore systems and high surface areas. Depending on the synthesis conditions crystalline Cu MOFs have been obtained exhibiting dense packings as well as open microporosity. In contrast, Al and Fe resulted in three-dimensional amorphous metal–organic framework gels with hierarchical pore systems ranging from micro- and meso-up to small macropores. By varying the metal connector as well as synthesis conditions the adsorption properties regarding the pore size and specific surface area can thus be tailored utilizing the versatile biogenic linker FDA that can be produced from renewable resources.