Creating libraries of porous materials derived from γ-zirconium phosphate: Pillaring with polyphenylethynyl diphosphonates

The synthesis of polyphenylethynyl diphosphonic acids was accomplished as well as their incorporation to γ-ZrP by topotactic phosphate/phosphonate partial exchange. The materials, characterized by solid-state NMR, XRD, elemental analysis and molecular modelling, bore truly pillared structures with a high degree of ultramicroporosity. The remaining surface phosphates from the partial phosphate/phosphonate replacement were further exchanged with methylphosphonate, phosphite or hypophosphate leading to a library of new materials that retained the pillared ultramicroporous structure. The porous solids displayed reasonable capacities to store hydrogen by physisorption.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Layered ZrP is a versatile inorganic salt. ► Diphosphonates of any structure are readily accessible. ► Their topotactic exchange into γ-ZrP leads to microporous structures. ► Multiple topotactic exchange leads to libraries of materials. ► The properties of these materials like physisorption can be confronted to subtle structure changes.