Novel CuI-based Metal Organic Frameworks for sensing applications

Traditional applications of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are focused on gas storage and separation, which take advantage of the inherent porosity and high surface area of these materials. The application of MOFs as chemical sensors require signal transduction based on the dynamics of the analyte interacting with the MOF network. The main objective of our project is to design multifunctional (combination of optical and electrical signals) and dynamic Stimuli-Responsive Metal Organic Frameworks (SR-MOFs) with enhanced selectivity and sensitivity towards harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), to be integrated into sensory devices. We selected units that offer extensive connectivity, flexibility, tunable porosity and functionalization of the inner surface of the network, with groups interacting with the analytes by means of coordination bonds, p-p interactions or hydrogen bonds. We envisage that the new sensors will show increased selectivity and sensitivity towards VOCs with respect to the state-of-the-art. Preliminary results on the synthesis and structural and chemico-physical characterization of new MOFs obtained from thiolated ligands and CuI will be presented. References [1] P. Kumar, A. Deep, K. H. Kim, R. J. C. Brown, Prog. Polym. Sci. 45, 102, 2015. [2] Y. Yu, J. P. Ma, C. W. Zhao, J. Yang, X. M. Zhang, Q. K. Liu, Y. B. Dong, Inorg. Chem. 54, 2015. [3] I. Stassen, N. Burtch, A. Talin, P. Falcaro, M. Allendorf, R. Ameloot, Chem. Soc. Rev. 46, 3185, 2017. [4] M. G. Campbell; S. F. Liu, T. M. Swager, M. Dinc?, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 137, 13780, 2015. The work is supported by the H2020-MSCA-IF-2016-751175 project "SmartMOFs".