Reversible flexible structural changes in multidimensional MOFs by guest molecules (I2, NH3) and thermal stimulation

•[Cu(INA)2] can flexible transform to [Cu(INA)2I2] and [Cu(INA)2(H2O)2(NH3)2] by adsorbing I2 or NH3.•The reversible flexible transformation related to material source, temperature and concentration.•Potential applications for the capture of I2 and NH3 from polluted water or air.

Three metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), [Cu(INA)2], [Cu(INA)2I2] and [Cu(INA)2(H2O)2(NH3)2], were synthesized with 3D, 2D, and 0D structures, respectively. Reversible flexible structural changes of these MOFs were reported. Through high temperature (60–100 °C) stimulation of I2 or ambient temperature stimulation of NH3, [Cu(INA)2] (3D) converted to [Cu(INA)2I2] (2D) and [Cu(INA)2(H2O)2(NH3)2] (0D); as the temperature increased to 150 °C, the MOFs changed back to their original form. In this way, this 3D MOF has potential application in the capture of I2 and NH3 from polluted water and air. XRD, TGA, SEM, NH3-TPD, and the measurement of gas adsorption were used to describe the changes in processes regarding the structure, morphology, and properties.

Graphical abstractThrough I2, NH3 molecules and thermal stimulation, the three MOFs can achieve reversible flexible structural changes. Different methods were used to prove the flexible reversible changes.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide