Evolution rom [Zn] to a record-high [Zn] subblock and engineering a hierarchical supramolecular framework for enhanced iodine uptake.

Hierarchical supramolecular frameworks are being designed and constructed for various applications, yet the controlled assembly and process understanding incorporating giant building blocks remains a great challenge. Here, we report a strategy of "rivet" substitution and "hinge" linkage for the controlled assembly of the hierarchical supramolecular framework. The replacement of two "rivet" ethylene glycol (EG) molecules for triangular prism [Zn] (a small block in 1) with a 1,3-propanediol (PDO) provides space for a "hinge" linkage from adjacent ligands, thus providing a hierarchical (from micro- to mesopores, from the internal cavity to external surface) supramolecular framework (2) based on a coordinative subblock with the record number of zinc ions ([Zn]).

Systemic regulation of binding sites in porous coordination polymers for ethylene purification from ternary C2 hydrocarbons.

The global demand for poly-grade ethylene (CH) is increasing annually. However, the energy-saving purification of this gas remains a major challenge due to the similarity in molecular properties among the ternary C2 hydrocarbons. To address this challenge, we report an approach of systematic tuning of the pore environment with organic sites (from -COOH to -CF, then to -CH) in porous coordination polymers (PCPs), of which NTU-73-CH shows remarkable capability for the direct production of poly-grade CH from ternary C2 hydrocarbons under ambient conditions.

Formation and fine-tuning of metal-organic frameworks with carboxylic pincers for the recognition of a CH tetramer and highly selective separation of CH/CH.

Highly efficient ethylene (CH) and acetylene (CH) separation is a great challenge and an important process in current industries. Herein, we finely tune a new family of 6-c metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with crab-like carboxylic pincers for the recognition of a CH tetramer and afford NTU-72 with high adsorption CH/CH selectivity (56-441, 298 K) as well as unprecedented recovery of both highly pure CH (99.95%) and CH (99.