Robust {Pb}-Cluster-Based Metal-Organic Framework for Capturing and Converting CO into Cyclic Carbonates under Mild Conditions.

Developing a highly active catalyst that can efficiently capture and convert carbon dioxide (CO) into high-value-added energy materials remains a severe challenge, which inspires us to explore effective metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with high chemical stability and high-density active sites. Herein, we report a robust 3D lead(II)-organic framework of {(MeNH)[Pb(PTTPA)(HO)]·2DMF·3HO} () with unreported [Pb(COO)(HO)] clusters (abbreviated as {Pb}) as nodes (HPTTPA = 4,4',4″-(pyridine-2,4,6-triyl)triisophthalic acid). After thermal activation, is functionalized by the multifarious symbiotic acid-base active sites of open Pb sites and uncoordinated pyridine groups on the inner surface of the void volume. Gas adsorption tests confirm that displays a higher separation performance for mixed gases of f CO and CH with the selectivity of CO/CH at 273 K and 101 kPa being 31 (1:99, v/v), 23 (15:85, v/v), and 8 (50:50, v/v), respectively. When the temperature rises to 298 K, the selectivity of CO/CH at 101 kPa is 26 (1:99, v/v), 22 (15:85, v/v), and 11 (50:50, v/v). Moreover, activated exhibited excellent catalytic performance, stability, and recyclability for the cycloaddition of CO with epoxides under mild conditions. Hence, this work provides valuable insight into designing MOFs with multifunctionality for CO capture, separation, and conversion.