An Electrically Conducting Three-Dimensional Iron–Catecholate Porous Framework

Abstract

We report the synthesis of a unique cubic metal–organic framework (MOF), Fe-HHTP-MOF, comprising hexahydroxytriphenylene (HHTP) supertetrahedral units and FeIII ions, arranged in a diamond topology. The MOF is synthesized under solvothermal conditions, yielding a highly crystalline, deep black powder, with crystallites of 300–500 nm size and tetrahedral morphology. Nitrogen sorption analysis indicates a highly porous material with a surface area exceeding 1400 m2 g−1. Furthermore, Fe-HHTP-MOF shows broadband absorption from 475 up to 1900 nm with excellent absorption capability of 98.5 % of the incoming light over the visible spectral region. Electrical conductivity measurements of pressed pellets reveal a high intrinsic electrical conductivity of up to 10−3 S cm−1. Quantum mechanical calculations predict Fe-HHTP-MOF to be an efficient electron conductor, exhibiting continuous charge-carrier pathways throughout the structure.