Applications of multicomponent metal-organic frameworks : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand

Abstract

Multicomponent metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) comprise multiple organic ligands that are topologically distinct. Each organic ligand is precisely positioned in a highly ordered crystal lattice. These allow tunable pore environments induced by the predictable arrangement of chemical functional groups on multiple ligands. This study was mainly focused on utilising such benefit of multicomponent MOFs. First, a novel concept for asymmetric catalysis was implemented. Sequence-specific polymer synthesis by post-synthetically linking the two ligands in a framework was then covered. Both applications exhibited new approaches that had not been demonstrated in conventional chemical reactions. This study exhibits the possibility of multicomponent MOFs as a great platform for many applications.