Temperature-regulated synthesis of carbonate-pillared zinc-triazolate frameworks for precise molecular recognition.

Liu, Jiaqi; Li, Tong; Bu, Qiyi; Bai, Xiaowei; Wang, Li; Miao, Jiafeng; Wang, Hao; Li, Jinping · Nat Commun · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The efficient discrimination of industrially relevant gases, particularly those with closely analogous physicochemical properties, remains a formidable challenge within the realm of adsorptive separation technologies. Achieving satisfactory separation efficiency poses stringent requirements on the precise control over the pore structures of adsorbents. Here we introduce a strategy for the precise modulation of pore structures in a carbonate-pillared Zn-triazolate framework, Zn<sub>2</sub>(datrz)<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> (datrz = 3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazolate), through the straightforward adjustment of the solvothermal synthesis temperature. Utilizing this approach, we have successfully fabricated a series of Zn<sub>2</sub>(datrz)<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> materials with tunable pore structures while maintaining the framework composition and overall connectivity. These materials demonstrate selective recognition for challenging gas mixtures, including C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>6</sub>/C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>8</sub>, CO<sub>2</sub>/CH<sub>4</sub>, and CO<sub>2</sub>/N<sub>2</sub>. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm that the precisely engineered pore environment plays a decisive role on selective gas adsorption. Further, the high reproducibility and scalability of this temperature-controlled synthesis method underscore its immense potential for industrial-scale applications in gas purification and separation processes.