MOF Decomposition and Introduction of Repairable Defects Using a Photodegradable Strut

Utilizing a photolabile ligand as MOF strut can make a framework undergo full or partial decomposition upon irradiation. For the first time, a nitrophenylacetate derivative has been incorporated into MOF as a backbone linker via PLSE method. The photo-induced decarboxylation of the NPDAC-MOF represents a novel way of degrading a MOF, which provides an innovative approach to formulating photoresponsive porous materials with potential applications in molecular release and drug delivery. When photoactive linker is mixed with non-photolabile linker via partial PLSE, the MOF structure can be retained after irradiation, but with the introduction of multiple defects, offering a new method to create vacancies in MOFs. Defect repair can be achieved by treatment with replacement ligands, the scope of which is an interesting area for developing customizable MOF contents.