Flexible molecular cages expand to pack in multiple metals
Monday, July 23, 2012 - 07:01
in Physics & Chemistry
(Phys.org) -- By expanding and rearranging certain connections, a rare molecule packs in two different metals, not just one, according to scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. This captivating molecule, a metal organic framework or MOF, expands by 33 percent when it takes in metals. Unlike most MOFs, the molecule forms and breaks bonds with the charged metals it carries. It is also highly selective, taking in only metals that are missing two electrons. As a bonus, this unusual MOF works as a solid. The features of this MOF, part a small class of molecules called soft anionic MOFs, create possible avenues for manipulating the molecule's carrying capacity.