Formation of a non-porous cobalt-phosphonate framework by small pH change in the preparation of the microporous STA-16(Co)

Abstract

The initial pH in the preparation of STA-16(Co) was found to have a great impact on the assembly of the MOF and the resulting porosity. The formation of a non-porous Co(II)-phosphonate pillared layer-structure was observed after changing the initial pH from 6.2 to 7.2 with distinct differences in the coordination environment of the cobalt centres.