Issue 32, 2020

Targeted classification of metal–organic frameworks in the Cambridge structural database (CSD)

Abstract

Large-scale targeted exploration of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with characteristics such as specific surface chemistry or metal-cluster family has not been investigated so far. These definitions are particularly important because they can define the way MOFs interact with specific molecules (e.g. their hydrophilic/phobic character) or their physicochemical stability. We report here the development of algorithms to break down the overarching family of MOFs into a number of subgroups according to some of their key chemical and physical features. Available within the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre's (CCDC) software, we introduce new approaches to allow researchers to browse and efficiently look for targeted MOF families based on some of the most well-known secondary building units. We then classify them in terms of their crystalline properties: metal-cluster, network and pore dimensionality, surface chemistry (i.e. functional groups) and chirality. This dynamic database and family of algorithms allow experimentalists and computational users to benefit from the developed criteria to look for specific classes of MOFs but also enable users – and encourage them – to develop additional MOF queries based on desired chemistries. These tools are backed-up by an interactive web-based data explorer containing all the data obtained. We also demonstrate the usefulness of these tools with a high-throughput screening for hydrogen storage at room temperature. This toolbox, integrated in the CCDC software, will guide future exploration of MOFs and similar materials, as well as their design and development for an ever-increasing range of potential applications.

Graphical abstract: Targeted classification of metal–organic frameworks in the Cambridge structural database (CSD)

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Edge Article
Submitted
03 Mar 2020
Accepted
16 Jun 2020
First published
17 Jun 2020
This article is Open Access

All publication charges for this article have been paid for by the Royal Society of Chemistry
Creative Commons BY license

Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 8373-8387

Targeted classification of metal–organic frameworks in the Cambridge structural database (CSD)

P. Z. Moghadam, A. Li, X. Liu, R. Bueno-Perez, S. Wang, S. B. Wiggin, P. A. Wood and D. Fairen-Jimenez, Chem. Sci., 2020, 11, 8373 DOI: 10.1039/D0SC01297A

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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