K. Leus

Pyrene-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Production

J. Sun, H. S. Jena, C. Krishnaraj, K. S. Rawat, S. Abednatanzi, J. Chakraborty, A. Laemont, W. Liu, H. Chen, Y.-Y. Liu, K. Leus, H. Vrielinck, V. Van Speybroeck, P. Van der Voort
Angewandte Chemie int. Ed.
2023
A1

Abstract 

Four highly porous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) containing pyrene units were prepared and explored for photocatalytic H2O2 production. The experimental studies are complemented by density functional theory calculations, proving that the pyrene unit is more active for H2O2 production than the bipyridine and (diarylamino)benzene units reported previously. H2O2 decomposition experiments verified that the distribution of pyrene units over a large surface area of COFs plays an important role in catalytic performance. The Py-Py-COF, though contains more pyrene units than other COFs, induces a high H2O2 decomposition due to a dense concentration of pyrene in small proximity over a limited surface area. Therefore, a two-phase reaction system (water-benzyl alcohol) was employed to inhibit H2O2 decomposition. This is the first report on applying pyrene-based COFs in a two-phase system for photocatalytic H2O2 generation.

DOI 

http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/anie.202216719

Linker Engineering of 2D Imine Covalent Organic Frameworks for Heterogeneous Palladium-catalyzed Suzuki Coupling Reaction

C. Krishnaraj, H. S. Jena, K. S. Rawat, J. Schmidt, K. Leus, V. Van Speybroeck, P. Van der Voort
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
14, 45, 50923-50931
2022
A1

Abstract 

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are an emerging class of porous organic polymers that have been utilized as scaffolds for anchoring metal active species to act as heterogeneous catalysts. Though several examples of such COFs exist, a thorough experimental and computational analysis on such catalysts is limited. In this work, a series of two-dimensional (2D) imine COFs (TTA–DFB COF (N), TTA–TBD COF (N∧O), and TTA–DFP COF(N∧N)) were synthesized by using suitable building units to obtain three different coordination sites (N, N∧O, and N∧N). These were post-modified with Pd(II) to catalyze the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction. Pd@TTA–DFB COF, where Pd(II) was coordinated to N sites, showed the fastest reactivity and lower stability. Pd@TTA–DFP COF showed highest stability but slowest reactivity. Pd@TTA–TBD COF was the best among the three with both high stability and fast reactivity. By combining both experimental and computational results, we conclude that the Pd(II) to Pd(0) reduction is a key step in the difference between the catalytic reactivities of the three COFs. This study demonstrates the importance of the building block approach to design COFs for efficient heterogeneous catalysis and to understand the fate of the reaction profile.

DOI 

https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.2c14882

Identification of vanadium dopant sites in the metal–organic framework DUT-5(Al)

K. Maes, L.I.D.J. Martin, S. Khelifi, A.E.J. Hoffman, K. Leus, P. Van der Voort, E. Goovaerts, P.F. Smet, V. Van Speybroeck, F. Callens, H. Vrielinck
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics (PCCP)
23, 7088-7100
2021
A1

Abstract 

Studying the structural environment of the VIV ions doped in the metal–organic framework (MOF) DUT-5(Al) ((AlIIIOH)BPDC) with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) reveals four different vanadium-related spectral components. The spin-Hamiltonian parameters are derived by analysis of X-, Q- and W-band powder EPR spectra. Complementary Q-band Electron Nuclear DOuble Resonance (ENDOR) experiments, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) measurements are performed to investigate the origin of these spectral components. Two spectral components with well resolved 51V hyperfine structure are visible, one corresponding to VIV=O substitution in a large (or open) pore and one to a narrow (or closed) pore variant of this MOF. Furthermore, a broad structureless Lorentzian line assigned to interacting vanadyl centers in each other's close neighborhood grows with increasing V-concentration. The last spectral component is best visible at low V-concentrations. We tentatively attribute it to (VIV=O)2+ linked with DMF or dimethylamine in the pores of the MOF. Simulations using these four spectral components convincingly reproduce the experimental spectra and allow to estimate the contribution of each vanadyl species as a function of V-concentration.

DOI 

http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D1CP00695A

Strongly Reducing (Diarylamino)benzene Based Covalent Organic Framework for Metal-Free Visible Light Photocatalytic H2O2 Generation

C. Krishnaraj, H. S. Jena, L. Bourda, A. Laemont, P. Pachfule, J. Roeser, C. V. Chandran, S. Borgmans, S.M.J. Rogge, K. Leus, C.V. Stevens, J.A. Martens, V. Van Speybroeck, E. Breynaert, A. Thomas, P. Van der Voort
JACS (Journal of the American Chemical Society)
142 (47), 20107-20116
2020
A1

Abstract 

Photocatalytic reduction of molecular oxygen is a promising route toward sustainable production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This challenging process requires photoactive semiconductors enabling solar energy driven generation and separation of electrons and holes with high charge transfer kinetics. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are an emerging class of photoactive semiconductors, tunable at a molecular level for high charge carrier generation and transfer. Herein, we report two newly designed two-dimensional COFs based on a (diarylamino)benzene linker that forms a Kagome (kgm) lattice and shows strong visible light absorption. Their high crystallinity and large surface areas (up to 1165 m2·g−1) allow efficient charge transfer and diffusion. The diarylamine (donor) unit promotes strong reduction properties, enabling these COFs to efficiently reduce oxygen to form H2O2. Overall, the use of a metal-free, recyclable photocatalytic system allows efficient photocatalytic solar transformations.

Gold Open Access

DOI 

http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jacs.0c09684

Elucidating the promotional effect of a covalent triazine framework in aerobic oxidation

S. Abednatanzi, P. Gohari Derakhshandeh, P. Tack, F. Muniz-Miranda, Y-Y Liu, J. Everaert, M. Meledina, F. Vanden Bussche, L. Vincze, C. Stevens, V. Van Speybroeck, H. Vrielinck, F. Callens, K. Leus, P. Van der Voort
Applied Catalysis B: Environmental
269, 118769
2020
A1

DOI 

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2020.118769

Engineering a highly defective stable UiO-66 with tunable Lewis-Brønsted acidity - The role of the hemilabile linker

X. Feng, J. Hajek, H. S. Jena, G. Wang, S. K. P. Veerapandian, R. Morent, N. De Geyter, K. Leyssens, A.E.J. Hoffman, V. Meynen, C. Marquez, D. De Vos, V. Van Speybroeck, K. Leus, P. Van der Voort
JACS (Journal of the American Chemical Society)
142 (6), 3174-3183
2020
A1

Abstract 

The stability of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) typically decreases with an increasing number of defects, limiting the number of defects that can be created and limiting catalytic and other applications. Herein, we use a hemilabile (Hl) linker to create up to maximum 6 defects per cluster in UiO-66. We have synthesized hemilabile UiO-66 (Hl-UiO-66) using benzene dicarboxylate (BDC) as linker and 4-sulfonatobenzoate (PSBA) as the hemilabile linker. The PSBA acts not only as a modulator to create defects, but also as a co-ligand that enhances the stability of the resulting defective framework. Furthermore, upon a post-synthetic treatment in H2SO4, the average number of defects increases to the optimum of six missing BDC linkers per cluster (3 per formula unit), leaving the Zr-nodes on average 6-fold coordinated. Remarkably, the thermal stability of the materials further increases upon this treatment. Periodic density functional theory calculations confirm that the hemilabile ligands strengthen this highly defective structure by several stabilizing interactions. Finally, the catalytic activity of the obtained materials is evaluated in the acid-catalyzed isomerization of α-pinene oxide. This reaction is particularly sensitive to the Brønsted or Lewis acid sites in the catalyst. In comparison to the pristine UiO-66, which mainly possesses Brønsted acid sites, the Hl-UiO-66 and the post-synthetically treated Hl-UiO-66 structures exhibited a higher Lewis acidity and an enhanced activity and selectivity. This is further explored by CD3CN spectroscopic sorption experiments. We have shown that by tuning the number of defects in UiO-66 using PSBA as the hemilabile linker, one can achieve highly defective and stable MOFs and easily control the Brønsted to Lewis acid ratio in the materials, and thus their catalytic activity and selectivity.

DOI 

http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jacs.9b13070

Immobilization of Ir(I) complex on Covalent Triazine Frameworks for C-H Borylation Reactions: A Combined Experimental and Computational Study

N. Tahir, F. Muniz-Miranda, J. Everaert, P. Tack, T.S.A Heugebaert, K. Leus, L. Vincze, C. Stevens, V. Van Speybroeck, P. Van der Voort
Journal of Catalysis
371, 135-143
2019
A1

Abstract 

Metal-modified covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) have attracted considerable attention in heterogeneous catalysis due to their strong nitrogen-metal interactions exhibiting superior activity, stability and hence recyclability. Herein, we report on a post-metalation of a bipyridine-based CTFs with an Ir(I) complex for CH borylation of aromatic compounds. Physical characterization of the Ir(I)-based bipyCTF catalyst in combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations exhibit a high stabilization energy of the Ir-bipy moiety in the frameworks in the presence of B2Pin2. By using B2Pin2 as a boron source, Ir(I)@bipyCTF efficiently catalyzed the CH borylation of various aromatic compounds with excellent activity and good recyclability. In addition, XAS analysis of the Ir(I)@bipyCTF gave clear evidence for the coordination environment of the Ir.

DOI 

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcat.2019.01.030

A series of sulfonic acid functionalized mixed-linker DUT-4 analogues: synthesis, gas sorption properties and catalytic performance

G. Wang, K. Leus, K. Hendrickx, J. Wieme, H. Depauw, Y-Y Liu, V. Van Speybroeck, P. Van der Voort
Dalton Transactions
46, 14356
2017
A1

Abstract 

In this work, we present the successful synthesis of a series of sulfonic acid functionalized mixed-linker metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) having the DUT-4 topology by using different ratios of 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (H2-NDC) and 4,8-disulfonaphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (H2-NDC-2SO3H) in one-pot reactions. The obtained materials were fully characterized and their CO2 adsorption properties at low and high pressures were studied and compared with those of the pristine DUT-4 material. Generally, the CO2 adsorption capacities range from 3.28 and 1.36 mmol g−1 for DUT-4 to 1.54 and 0.78 mmol g−1 for DUT-4-SO3H (50) up to 1 bar at 273 K and 303 K, respectively. Computational calculations corroborated the structural changes of the material in function of the loading of sulfonic acid groups. Furthermore, due to the strong Brønsted acid character, the resulting sulfonic acid based MOF material was evaluated as a catalyst for the ring opening of styrene oxide with methanol as a nucleophile under mild conditions, showing almost full conversion (99%) after 5 hours of reaction. A hot filtration experiment demonstrated that the catalysis occurred heterogeneously and the catalyst could be recovered and reused for multiple runs without significant loss in activity and crystallinity.

DOI 

http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/C7DT02752D

Biocompatible Zr-based nanoscale MOFs coated with modified poly (epsilon-caprolactone) as anticancer drug carriers

M. Filippousi, S. Turner, K. Leus, P.I. Siafaka, E.D. Tseligka, M. Vandichel, S.G. Nanaki, I.S. Vizirianakis, D.N. Bikiaris, P. Van der Voort, G. Van Tendeloo
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
509, 1-2, 208-218
2016
A1

Abstract 

Nanoscale Zr-based metal organic frameworks (MOFs) UiO-66 and UiO-67 were studied as potential anticancer drug delivery vehicles. Two model drugs were used, hydrophobic paclitaxel and hydrophilic cisplatin, and were adsorbed onto/into the nano MOFs (NMOFs). The drug loaded MOFs were further encapsulated inside a modified poly(epsilon-caprolactone) with D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate polymeric matrix, in the form of microparticles, in order to prepare sustained release formulations and to reduce the drug toxicity. The drugs physical state and release rate was studied at 37 degrees C using Simulated Body Fluid. It was found that the drug release depends on the interaction between the MOFs and the drugs while the controlled release rates can be attributed to the microencapsulated formulations. The in vitro antitumor activity was assessed using HSC-3 (human oral squamous carcinoma; head and neck) and U-87 MG (human glioblastoma grade IV; astrocytoma) cancer cells. Cytotoxicity studies for both cell lines showed that the polymer coated, drug loaded MOFs exhibited better anticancer activity compared to free paclitaxel and cisplatin solutions at different concentrations. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOI 

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2016.05.048

Systematic study of the chemical and hydrothermal stability of selected "stable" Metal Organic Frameworks

K. Leus, T. Bogaerts, J. De Decker, H. Depauw, K. Hendrickx, H. Vrielinck, V. Van Speybroeck, P. Van der Voort
Microporous and Mesoporous Materials
226, 110-116
2016
A1

Abstract 

In this work, the hydrothermal and chemical stability towards acids, bases, air, water and peroxides of Metal Organic Frameworks, that are commonly considered to be stable, is presented. As a proof of stability both the crystallinity and porosity are measured before and after exposure to the stress test. The major part of the MOFs examined in this study showed a good hydrothermal stability except for the UiO-67, NH2-MIL-101 (Al) and CuBTC material. The chemical stability towards acids and bases show a similar tendency and an ordering can be proposed as: MIL-101(Cr)>NH2-UiO-66>UiO-66>UiO-67>NH2-MIL-53>MIL-53(Al)>ZIF-8>CuBTC>NH2-MIL-101(Al). In the tests with the H2O2 solution most materials behaved poorly, only the UiO-66 and NH2-UiO-66 framework showed a good stability.

DOI 

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2015.11.055

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