Microporous metal-organic framework with 1D helical chain building units: Synthesis, structure and gas sorption properties

Solvothermal reaction of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O and benzimidazole-5,6-dicarboxylic acid results in a new 3D non-interpenetrating metal-organic framework, whose framework features 1D nanotube channels running along the c axis that are formed by the connection of the benzimidazole-5,6-dicarboxylic acid ligands with the 1D helical metal chains. In addition, the pore characteristics and gas sorption properties of this compound were investigated at both cryogenic temperatures and room temperature by experimentally measuring N2, CO2 and CH4 adsorption/desorption isotherms, which reveals a moderate BET surface area and a high CO2/CH4 selectivity.254