Crystallographic observation of dynamic Gas adsorption sites and thermal expansion in a breathable fluorous metal-organic framework

Abstract

Playing accordion: Cooling a single crystal of a microporous fluorous metal-organic framework under ambient atmosphere leads to very large breathing upon gas adsorption, during which multiple N2 molecules are filled into channels and cages (see picture). While the framework exhibits remarkable positive thermal expansion under vacuum, a gigantic apparent negative thermal expansion takes place when the crystal is exposed to N2 at ambient pressure. © 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.