Dual‐Function HKUST‐1: Templating and Catalyzing Formation of Graphitic Carbon Nitride Quantum Dots Under Mild Conditions. Issue 48 (17th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Albolkany, Mohamed K.; Wang, Yang; Li, Weijin; Arooj, Syeda; Chen, Chun‐Hui; Wu, Niannian; Wang, Yan; Zbořil, Radek; Fischer, Roland A.; Liu, Bo
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 59:Issue 48(2020)
• Page Start: 21499
• Page End: 21504
• Publication Date: 2020-09-17
• Subjects: cyanamide polycondensation -- g-CNQDs -- HKUST-1 -- MOF templating -- photoluminescence; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.202009710
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: Graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (g‐CNQDs) are highly promising photoresponsive materials. However, synthesis of monodispersed g‐CNQDs remains challenging. Here we report the dual function of MOF [Cu3 BTC2 ] (HKUST‐1) as a catalyst and template simultaneously to prepare g‐CNQDs under mild conditions. Cyanamide (CA), a graphitic carbon nitride precursor, catalytically dimerized inside the larger MOF cavities at 90 °C and condensed into g‐CNQDs at 120 °C in a controlled fashion. The HKUST‐1 template was stable under the reaction conditions, leading to uniform g‐CNQDs with a particle size of 2.22±0.68 nm. The as prepared g‐CNQDs showed photoluminescence emission with a quantum yield of 3.1 %. This concept (MOF dual functionality) for catalyzing CA polycondensation (open metal sites (OMSs) effect) and controlling the produced particle size (pore‐templating effect), together with the tunable MOF porosity, is expected to produce unique g‐CNQDs with controllable size, morphology, and surface functionality. Abstract : The first example of a MOF as a dual‐function material for templating and catalyzing the formation of monodispersed graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (g‐CNQDs) under very mild conditions is reported. g‐CNQDs with tailorable sizes and properties can be prepared using this synthetic protocol, taking the advantages of the huge MOF family with tunable pore structures.