Abstract Infinite metal-oxo metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are recognized as promising platforms for developing all-round high-performance catalysts for both academic and industrial significance. Nevertheless, engineering infinite metal-oxo architectures typically requires harsh synthetic conditions, often yielding microcrystalline or even nanocrystalline products that hinder precise structure identifications. Herein, we propose a previously underestimated acetic acid-based solvothermal protocol for general engineering of one-dimensional (1D) infinite metal-oxo (e.g. Zr, Hf, Ce) MOFs featuring large-size single crystals with well-identified crystallographic structures. As an example, the 1D Zr-BTB-derived catalyst exhibits a turnover frequency (TOF) of 1199.1 h−1, a selectivity of 99.0% and a long-term stability in the catalytic upgrading of natural feedstocks into high-value-added fuels. In comparison, conventional Zr6O8 node-based counterpart only presents a TOF of 282.5 h−1, a selectivity of 5.9% and poor recycle ability. This work opens the avenue to design industry-oriented performant heterogeneous catalysts for energy-critical transformations via rational engineering of versatile infinite metal-oxo units.
Guo et al. (Wed,) studied this question.