3D rare earth metal-organic frameworks involving tetrabromoterephthalate (Br₄tp) linkers with a stp topological network, [RE(Br₄tp)_1.5]∙3H₂O (RE-MOF; RE = Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu), were synthesized via the covalent bonding of geometrically compatible molecular building blocks and cooperative intermolecular interactions. Gas adsorption was also investigated.

Abstract

The 3D rare earth metal-organic frameworks containing tetrabromoterephthalate (Br₄tp) linkers with square trigonal prism (stp) topological network, [RE(Br₄tp)_1.5]·3H₂O (RE-MOF; RE = Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu), were synthesized through the covalently linking geometrically matching molecular building blocks and cooperative intermolecular interactions. The stp type network exhibits 1D microporous structures that are capable of accommodating hexameric tubular water (H₂O)₆ clusters. The adsorption–desorption isotherms of CO₂, CH₄, and N₂ gases on a typical sample of RE-MOF were analyzed. The binding mechanism of CO₂ with the MOF frameworks was analyzed utilizing density functional theory (DFT) and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS).