Metal–Organic Framework with Functional Amide Groups for Highly Selective Gas Separation

A new three-dimensional microporous metal–organic framework [Cu( N -(pyridin-4-yl)isonicotinamide) 2 (SiF 6 )](EtOH) 2 (H 2 O) 12 ( UTSA-48, UTSA = University of Texas at San Antonio) with functional −CONH– groups on the pore surfaces was synthesized and structurally characterized. The small pores and the functional −CONH– groups on the pore surfaces within the activated UTSA-48a have enabled their strong interactions with C 2 H 2 and CO 2 of adsorption enthalpy of 34.4 and 30.0 kJ mol –1, respectively. Accordingly, activated UTSA-48 exhibits highly selective gas sorption of C 2 H 2 and CO 2 over CH 4 with the Henry Law’s selectivities of 53.4 and 13.2 respectively, at 296 K, thereby, highlighting the promise for its application in industrially important gas separation.