Novel CuI-based Metal Organic Frameworks for sensing applications

Traditional applications of metal organic frameworks (MOFs), also known as porous coordination polymers, are focused on gas storage and separation, which take advantage of the inherent porosity and high surface area of these materials.1 The application of MOFs as chemical sensors require signal transduction based on the dynamics of the analyte interacting with the MOF network.2, 3 The main objective of our project is to design multifunctional (combination of optical and electrical signals) and dynamic Stimuli-Responsive Metal Organic Frameworks (SR-MOFs) with enhanced selectivity and sensitivity towards harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), to be integrated into sensory devices. We have selected building units that offer extensive connectivity, flexibility, tunable porosity and functionalization of the inner surface of the network with groups interacting with the analytes by means of p-p interactions or hydrogen bonds. Therefore, we envisage that the new chemical sensors will show increased selectivity and sensitivity towards VOCs with respect to the state-of-the-art, thanks to supramolecular interactions between the MOF network and the guest molecule (VOCs). 1. P. Silva, S. M. F. Vilela, J. P. C. Tomébc, F. A. Almeida Paz, Chem. Soc. Rev, 2015, 44, 6774. 2. I. Stassen, N. Burtch, A. Talin, P. Falcaro, M. Allendorf, R. Ameloot, Chem. Soc. Rev, 2017, 46, 3185. 3. M. G. Campbell; S. F. Liu, T. M. Swager, M. Dinc?, J. Am. Chem. Soc, 2015 137, 13780. The work is supported by the H2020-MSCA-IF-2016-751175 project "SmartMOFs".