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225 Ac is considered as one of the most promising radioisotopes for alpha-therapy because its emitted high-energy α-particles can efficiently damage tumor cells. However, it also represents a significant threat to healthy tissues owing to extremely high radiotoxicity if targeted therapy fails. This calls for a pressing requirement of monitoring the biodistribution of 225 Ac in vivo during the treatment of tumors. However, the lack of imageable photons or positrons from therapeutic doses of 225 Ac makes this task currently quite challenging. We report here a nanoscale luminescent europium-organic framework (EuMOF) that allows for fast, simple, and efficient labeling of 225 Ac in its crystal structure with sufficient 225 Ac-retention stability based on similar coordination behaviors between Ac 3+ and Eu 3+ . After labeling, the short distance between 225 Ac and Eu 3+ in the structure leads to exceedingly efficient energy transduction from 225 Ac-emitted α-particles to surrounding Eu 3+ ions, which emits red luminescence through a scintillation process and produces sufficient photons for clearcut imaging. The in vivo intensity distribution of radioluminescence signal originating from the 225 Ac-labeled EuMOF is consistent with the dose of 225 Ac dispersed among the various organs determined by the radioanalytical measurement ex vivo , certifying the feasibility of in vivo directly monitoring 225 Ac using optical imaging for the first time. In addition, 225 Ac-labeled EuMOF displays notable efficiency in treating the tumor. These results provide a general design principle for fabricating 225 Ac-labeled radiopharmaceuticals with imaging photons and propose a simple way to in vivo track radionuclides with no imaging photons, including but not limited to 225 Ac.

Radon (Rn), a ubiquitous radioactive noble gas, is the main source of natural radiation to human and one of the major culprits for lung cancer. Reducing ambient Rn concentration by porous materials is considered as the most feasible and energy-saving option to lower this risk, but the in-depth Rn removal under ambient conditions remains an unresolved challenge, mainly due to the weak van der Waals (vdW) interaction between inert Rn and adsorbents and the extremely low partial pressure (<1.8 × 10 -14 bar, <10 6 Bq/m 3 ) of Rn in air. Adsorbents having either favorable adsorption thermodynamics or feasible diffusion kinetics perform poorly in in-depth Rn removal. Herein, we report the discovery of a metal-organic framework (ZIF-7-Im) for efficient Rn capture guided by computational screening and modeling. The size-matched pores in ZIF-7-Im abide by the thermodynamically favorable principle and the exquisitely engineered quasi-open apertures allow for feasible kinetics with little sacrifice of sorption thermodynamics. The as-prepared material can reduce the Rn concentration from hazardous levels to that below the detection limit of the Rn detector under ambient conditions, with an improvement of at least two orders of amplitude on the removal depth compared to the currently best-performing and only commercialized material activated charcoal.

Here, we report a series of two-dimensional lanthanide metal-organic frameworks Ln-DBTPA (where DBTPA = 2,5-dibromoterephthalic acid and Ln = Tb ( 1 ), Eu ( 2 ), or Gd ( 3 )) showing a unique turn-up responsiveness toward ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The luminescence enhancement was derived from the accumulated radicals that can promote the intersystem crossing process. The compound 1 shows an ultralow detection limit of 9.1 × 10 -9 J toward UV radiation, representing a new type of luminescent UV detectors.

Precise detection of low-dose X- and γ-radiations remains a challenge and is particularly important for studying biological effects under low-dose ionizing radiation, safety control in medical radiation treatment, survey of environmental radiation background, and monitoring cosmic radiations. We report here a photoluminescent uranium organic framework, whose photoluminescence intensity can be accurately correlated with the exposure dose of X- or γ-radiations. This allows for precise and instant detection of ionizing radiations down to the level of 10 -4  Gy, representing a significant improvement on the detection limit of approximately two orders of magnitude, compared to other chemical dosimeters reported up to now. The electron paramagnetic resonance analysis suggests that with the exposure to radiations, the carbonyl double bonds break affording oxo-radicals that can be stabilized within the conjugated uranium oxalate-carboxylate sheet. This gives rise to a substantially enhanced equatorial bonding of the uranyl(VI) ions as elucidated by the single-crystal structure of the γ-ray irradiated material, and subsequently leads to a very effective photoluminescence quenching through phonon-assisted relaxation. The quenched sample can be easily recovered by heating, enabling recycled detection for multiple runs., (© 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Harnessing solar energy by photocatalytically converting oxygen and water into high-value-added H2O2 is a promising way of alleviating both environmental and energy issues. It is worth noting that suppressing detrimental side reactions, such as the generation of •O2−, is a critical approach to enhancing H2O2 production. Herein, a 2-fold interpenetrating 3D uranium-organic framework (YTU-W-1) was developed and introduced for photocatalytic H2O2 production. The material demonstrates a different photocatalytic mechanism when employing uranyl as an initiator, as compared with the conventional semiconductor photocatalytic pathway involving photo-generated charge carriers. Benefiting from the strong hydrogen abstraction effect of the U≡O• and the direct one-step oxygen reduction pathway, YTU-W-1 exhibits enhanced photocatalytic performance for H2O2 production with yield efficiency of 221 µmol h−1 g−1. Furthermore, YTU-W-1 displays a high H2O2 selectivity of 68%, confirmed by rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) measurement. DFT calculations were used to elucidate the critical role of uranyl in the photocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction for H2O2 production. This research introduces an innovative approach to photo driven H2O2 production, underscoring the potential for heterogeneous catalysts to engage in photocatalytic reactions independently of photo-generated charge carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐organic framework (MOF) based heterostructures, which exhibit enhanced or unexpected functionality and properties due to synergistic effects, are typically synthesized using post‐synthetic strategies. However, several reported post‐synthetic strategies remain unsatisfactory, considering issues such as damage to the crystallinity of MOFs, presence of impure phases, and high time and energy consumption. In this work, we demonstrate for the first time a novel route for constructing MOF based heterostructures using radiation‐induced post‐synthesis, highlighting the merits of convenience, ambient conditions, large‐scale production, and notable time and energy saving. Specifically, a new HKUST‐1@Cu2O heterostructure was successfully synthesized by simply irradiating a methanol solution dispersed of HKUST‐1 with gamma ray under ambient conditions. The copper source of Cu2O was directly derived from in situ radiation etching and reduction of the parent HKUST‐1, without the use of any additional copper reagents. Significantly, the resulting HKUST‐1@Cu2O heterostructure exhibits remarkable catalytic performance, with a catalytic rate constant nearly two orders of magnitude higher than that of the parent HKUST‐1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodically arranging coordination‐distinct actinides into one crystalline architecture is intriguing but of great synthetic challenge. We report a rare example of a heterobimetallic actinide metal–organic framework (An‐MOF) by a unique reaction‐induced preorganization strategy. A thorium MOF (SCU‐16) with the largest unit cell among all Th‐MOFs was prepared as the precursor, then the uranyl was precisely embedded into the MOF precursor under oxidation condition. Single crystal of the resulting thorium‐uranium MOF (SCU‐16‐U) shows that a uranyl‐specific site was in situ induced by the formate‐to‐carbonate oxidation reaction. The heterobimetallic SCU‐16‐U exhibits multifunction catalysis properties derived from two distinct actinides. The strategy proposed here offers a new avenue to create mixed‐actinide functional material with unique architecture and versatile functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: The second example of tetravalent plutonium carboxyl‐based organic framework, 242Pu(OH)[PO[(C6H4)COO]3]·H2O, termed as PuTPO (TPO = tris(4‐carboxylphenyl)‐phosphineoxide), was reported in this work. A series of characterizations of PuTPO, such as X‐ray crystallography and solid‐state UV‐Vis‐NIR spectroscopy, were carried out to expatiate its structure and physicochemical properties. PuTPO is constructed by dimers of the plutonium‐oxygen subunit of [Pu2O16]. Characteristic peaks located at approximately 1100 nm can be considered to be the fingerprint peaks of tetravalent plutonium. While PuTPO can maintain high crystallinity within several months after synthesis, it exhibits a radiation‐induced swelling effect probed by the expansion of cell parameter of b axis after self‐irradiation from α‐decay of 242Pu. This result enriches the inventory of tetravalent plutonium compounds and provides an insight into the irradiation resistance of metal‐organic frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rare case of semiconducting actinide-based metal–organic framework SCU-125 was designed and synthesized. As a result of the lack of two coordination sites in the plane of the tetrathiafulvalene tetrabenzoate (TTFTB) molecule, a defective kgd network was formed. The electrical conductivity of SCU-125 was measured to be 2.2(2) × 10−7 S cm−1 at 25 °C ± 2 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are a distinct family of crystalline porous materials finding extensive applications. Their synthesis often requires elevated temperature and relatively long reaction time. We report here the first case of MOF synthesis activated by high‐energy (1.5 MeV) electron beam radiation from a commercially available electron‐accelerator. Using ZIF‐8 as a representative for demonstration, this type of synthesis can be accomplished under ambient conditions within minutes, leading to energy consumption about two orders of magnitude lower than that of the solvothermal condition. Interestingly, by controlling the absorbed dose in the synthesis, the electron beam not only activates the formation reaction of ZIF‐8, but also partially etches the material during the synthesis affording a hierarchical pore architecture and highly crystalline ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of ZIF‐8. This gives rise to a new strategy to obtain MOF@metal oxide heterostructures, finding utilities in photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional microporous thorium-based metal–organic framework (Th-BPYDC-I) that features a suitable pore size for Xe was prepared. The pore confinement effect enables high Xe uptake (2.15 mmol g−1) and good Xe/Kr selectivity (7.49). This work highlights the critical role of the size-matching rule in noble gas separation and provides an alternative option for Xe/Kr separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: The environmental contamination of uranium will occur in scenarios such as nuclear accidents and leakage from nuclear waste storage sites, which eventually leads to the internal uranium exposure of people, causing consequential injuries of renal failure, osteosarcoma, etc. The development of uranyl specific chelating agents that could sequester uranium in vivo is in urgent need and is important for the safe and efficient development of nuclear industry. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) already serve as efficient uranium depletion materials in solutions of a wide range of pH and ionic strength for nuclear fuel recycling, uranium extraction from seawater, as well as environmental decontamination. Herein, a chromium‐based nano‐metal organic framework (nano‐MOF) functionalized interiorly with 3,2‐HOPO ligands, MIL‐101‐HOPO, is rationally synthesized. In vitro adsorption experiments show that MIL‐101‐HOPO exhibits high adsorption selectivity and fast adsorption kinetics for uranyl. The results of in vivo uranyl decorporation assays reveal that MIL‐101‐HOPO with the decoration of HOPO ligands on the interior wall exhibits significantly increased uranyl removal ratio in kidneys comparing to the pristine nMOFs, and is more effective than the clinically used ZnNa3‐DTPA. All those results corroborate the interior functionalization of MOFs as an efficient strategy to develop promising uranyl decorporation agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: We reported the synthesis, single crystal structure, and solid‐state UV‐Vis‐NIR spectroscopy of a new transplutonium metal‐organic framework (MOFs), Am(H2O)[PO[(C6H4)COO]3], denoted as AmTPO (TPO = tris(4‐carboxylphenyl)‐phosphineoxide). AmTPO forms a three‐dimensional metal−organic framework structure with americium dimers as the secondary building unit. Clear 5f → 5f transitions attributed to trivalent americium was observed in the absorption spectrum of AmTPO ranging from 300 to 1200 nm. Notably, AmTPO can maintain the crystallinity with no observable structural degradation within several months after being synthesized, revealing a long‐term radiation resistance of this structure and the potential application of MOFs as a platform for nuclear waste disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capture of highly radiotoxic 90Sr from an acidic waste solution during used fuel reprocessing and environmental remediation in a nuclear accident is desirable and challenging. Herein, we show a metal organic framework material (SNU-200) functionalized with an 18-crown-6-ether, whose specific binding site with an excellent affinity toward strontium leads to excellent Sr2+ adsorption capability under acidic conditions. This material exhibits a high adsorption capacity (44.37 mg g−1 at pH = 3), remarkable affinity (Kd = 3.63 × 104 mL g−1) and ultrahigh selectivity in the presence of interfering coexisting ions such as Na+, K+, Cs+, Mg2+, and Ca2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of most problematic radionuclides, technetium‐99, mainly in the form of anionic pertechnetate (TcO4−), exhibits high environmental mobility, long half‐life, and radioactive hazard. Due to low charge density and high hydrophobicity for this tetrahedral anion, it is extremely difficult to recognize it in water. Seeking efficient and selective recognition method for TcO4− is still a big challenge. Herein, a new water‐stable cationic metal‐organic framework (ZJU‐X8) was reported, bearing tetraphenylethylene pyrimidine‐based aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) ligands and attainable silver sites for TcO4− detection. ZJU‐X8 underwent an obvious spectroscopic change from brilliant blue to flavovirens and exhibited splendid selectivity towards TcO4−. This uncommon fluorescent recognition mechanism was well elucidated by batch sorption experiments and DFT calculations. It was found that only TcO4− could enter into the body of ZJU‐X8 through anion exchange whereas other competing anions were excluded outside. Subsequently, after interaction between TcO4− and silver ions, the electron polarizations from pyrimidine rings to Ag+ cations significantly lowered the energy level of the π* orbital and thus reduced the π–π* energy gap, resulting in a red‐shift in the fluorescent spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio‐photoluminescence (RPL) materials display a distinct radiation‐induced permanent luminescence center, and therefore find application in the detection of ionizing radiation. The current inventory of RPL materials, which were discovered by serendipity, has been limited to a small number of metal‐ion‐doped inorganic materials. Here we document the RPL of a metal–organic framework (MOF) for the first time: X‐ray induced free radicals are accumulated on the organic linker and are subsequently stabilized in the conjugated fragment in the structure, while the metal center acts as the X‐ray attenuator. These radicals afford new emission features in both UV‐excited and X‐ray excited luminescence spectra, making it possible to establish linear relationships between the radiation dose and the normalized intensity of the new emission feature. The MOF‐based RPL materials exhibit advantages in terms of the dose detection range, reusability, emission stability, and energy threshold. Based on a comprehensive electronic structure and energy diagram study, the rational design and a substantial expansion of candidate RPL materials can be anticipated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged in applications such as chemical sensors, electrocatalysts, energy storage materials, and electronic devices. However, examples of semiconductive MOFs within flexible electronics have not been reported. We present flexible X‐ray detectors prepared by thermoplastic dispersal of a semiconductive MOF (SCU‐13) through a commercially available polymer, poly(vinylidene fluoride). The flexible detectors exhibit efficient X‐ray‐to‐electric current conversion with enhanced charge‐carrier mobility and low trap density compared to pelleted devices. A high X‐ray detection sensitivity of 65.86 μCGyair−1 cm−2 was achieved, which outperforms other pelleted devices and commercial flexible X‐ray detectors. We demonstrate that the MOF‐based flexible detectors can be operated at multiple bending angles without a deterioration in detection performance. As a proof‐of‐concept, an X‐ray phase contrast under bending conditions was constructed using a 5×5 pixelated MOF‐based imager. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, we report intense X-ray scintillation enabled by a series of isotypic lanthanide (Eu and Tb) based metal–organic frameworks, initially showing a very efficient X-ray to visible light luminescence conversion. By systematic adjusting of the molar ratio of Eu3+ and Tb3+ in the same MOF structure as a traditional strategy for color-tuning in lanthanide-based photoluminescent materials, linear multicolor visualization of X-ray radiation from red to green can be facilely achieved, providing a new class of scintillating materials with continuous color tunability that can be customized for desired purposes. Moreover, these lanthanide–organic framework based scintillators exhibit excellent radiation resistance and humidity stability, in comparison with the state of the art and commercially-available X-ray scintillator, CsI:Tl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and synthesis of uranium sorbent materials with high uptake efficiency, capacity and selectivity, as well as excellent hydrolytic stability and radiation resistance remains a challenge. Herein, a polyoxometalate (POM)–organic framework material (SCU‐19) with a rare inclined polycatenation structure was designed, synthesized through a solvothermal method, and tested for uranium separation. Under dark conditions, SCU‐19 can efficiently capture uranium through ligand complexation using its exposed oxo atoms and partial chemical reduction from UVI to UIV by the low‐valent Mo atoms in the POM. An additional UVI photocatalytic reduction mechanism can occur under visible light irradiation, leading to a higher uranium removal without saturation and faster sorption kinetics. SCU‐19 is the only uranium sorbent material with three distinct sorption mechanisms, as further demonstrated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When exposed to UV (365 nm, 2 mW) radiation, the bulk crystals of a two-dimensional metal–organic framework [Hphen]2[(UO2)2(ox)3] (1,phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, ox = oxalate) are exfoliated into thin sheets (2 μm) and its photoluminescence can be quenched in an incredibly sensitive manner, setting 1 as a superior UV-detection material. When upgrading the UV source into a 300 W xenon light source, the crystals of 1 can be further exfoliated into monolayer nanosheets (0.92 nm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designability is an attractive feature for metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and essential for reticular chemistry, and many ideas are significantly useful in the carboxylate system. Bi‐, tri‐, and tetra‐topic phosphonate ligands are used to achieve framework structures. However, an efficient method for designing phosphonate MOFs is still on the way, especially for uranyl phosphonates, owing to the complicated coordination modes of the phosphonate group. Uranyl phosphonates prefer layer or pillar‐layered structures as the topology extension for uranyl units occurs in the plane perpendicular to the linear uranium‐oxo bonds and phosphonate ligands favor the formation of compact structures. Therefore, an approach that can construct three‐dimensional (3D) uranyl phosphonate MOFs is desired. In this paper, a sterically hindered phosphonate ligand method (SHPL) is described and is successfully used to achieve 3D framework structures of uranyl phosphonates. Four MOF compounds ([AMIM]2(UO2)(TppmH4)⋅H2O (UPF‐101), [BMMIM]2(UO2)3(TppmH4)2⋅H2O (UPF‐102), [Py14]2(UO2)3(TppmH4)2⋅3 H2O (UPF‐103), and [BMIM](UO2)3(TppmH3)F2⋅2 H2O (UPF‐104); [AMIM]=1‐allyl‐3‐methylimidazolium, [BMMIM]=1‐butyl‐2,3‐dimethylimidazolium, [Py14]=N‐butyl‐N‐methylpyrrolidinium, and [BMIM]=1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) are obtained by ionothermal synthesis, with zero‐dimensional nodes of uranyl phosphonates linked by steric tetra‐topic ligands, namely tetrakis[4‐(dihyroxyphosphoryl)phenyl]methane (TppmH8), to give 3D framework structures. Characterization by PXRD, UV/Vis, IR, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry (TG) were also performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

99Tc contamination at legacy nuclear sites is a serious and unsolved environmental issue. The selective remediation of 99TcO4− in the presence of a large excess of NO3− and SO42− from natural waste systems represents a significant scientific and technical challenge, since anions with a higher charge density are often preferentially sorbed by traditional anion‐exchange materials. We present a solution to this challenge based on a stable cationic metal‐organic framework, SCU‐102 (Ni2(tipm)3(NO3)4), which exhibits fast sorption kinetics, a large capacity (291 mg g−1), a high distribution coefficient, and, most importantly, a record‐high TcO4− uptake selectivity. This material can almost quantitatively remove TcO4− in the presence of a large excess of NO3− and SO42−. Decontamination experiments confirm that SCU‐102 represents the optimal Tc scavenger with the highest reported clean‐up efficiency, while first‐principle simulations reveal that the origin of the selectivity is the recognition of TcO4− by the hydrophobic pockets of the structure. Capturing radioactive species: A robust 3D cationic metal‐organic framework material, SCU‐102, exhibits fast sorption kinetics, large uptake capacity, high distribution coefficient, and a record‐high TcO4− uptake selectivity. The material offers a solution to the long‐term challenge of 99Tc decontamination from complex natural water systems at legacy nuclear sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three (3,4)-connected uranyl–organic frameworks (UOFs) with pto and tbo topologies were synthesized. The UOF with a pto net possesses a 2-fold interpenetrating network and exhibits 2D interconnected channels. The UOF with a tbo net is constructed from two types of ultralarge nanocages. All these compounds can efficiently remove large cationic dye crystal violet (CV) through a cation exchange mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The combination of high atomic number and high oxidation state in UVI materials gives rise to both high X‐ray attenuation efficiency and intense green luminescence originating from ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer. These two features suggest that UVI materials might act as superior X‐ray scintillators, but this postulate has remained substantially untested. Now the first observation of intense X‐ray scintillation in a uranyl–organic framework (SCU‐9) that is observable by the naked eye is reported. Combining the advantage in minimizing the non‐radiative relaxation during the X‐ray excitation process over those of inorganic salts of uranium, SCU‐9 exhibits a very efficient X‐ray to green light luminescence conversion. The luminescence intensity shows an essentially linear correlation with the received X‐ray intensity, and is comparable with that of commercially available CsI:Tl. SCU‐9 possesses an improved X‐ray attenuation efficiency (E>20 keV) as well as enhanced radiation resistance and decreased hygroscopy compared to CsI:Tl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Actinide based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are unique not only because compared to the transition‐metal and lanthanide systems they are substantially less explored, but also owing to the uniqueness of actinide ions in bonding and coordination. Now a 3D thorium–organic framework (SCU‐11) contains a series of cages with an effective size of ca. 21×24 Å. Th4+ in SCU‐11 is 10‐coordinate with a bicapped square prism coordination geometry, which has never been documented for any metal cation complexes. The bicapped position is occupied by two coordinated water molecules that can be removed to afford a very unique open Th4+ site, confirmed by X‐ray diffraction, color change, thermogravimetry, and spectroscopy. The degassed phase (SCU‐11‐A) exhibits a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of 1272 m2 g−1, one of the highest values among reported actinide materials, enabling it to sufficiently retain water vapor, Kr, and Xe with uptake capacities of 234 cm3 g−1, 0.77 mmol g−1, 3.17 mmol g−1, respectively, and a Xe/Kr selectivity of 5.7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although no evident hydrogen-bond network appears, an ultrahigh proton conductivity of 2.91 × 10−2 S cm−1 at 363 K and 90% RH with an ultralow activation energy of 0.10 eV was observed in an anionic lanthanide-organic framework Na2[Eu(SDB)2(COO)]·0.375DMF·0.4H2O (1); both values approach the records among all reported proton-conducting MOF materials. This suggests that the proton conduction process in 1 is reminiscent of the Grotthuss mechanism, which together reveals an effective proton transportation pathway associated with aligned Na+ and their coordinated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a depleted uranium-based metal organic framework, UO2(C8H3O6N)·DMF, that exhibits highly sensitive and selective detection towards Fe3+ ions in aqueous media with an extremely low detection limit of 6.3 ppb. This work offers insight into exploring the potential applications of actinide-based metal organic frameworks in the area of chemical sensing with intrinsic advantages of high selectivity and sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooperative performance of mixed-valent Eu2+/Eu3+ in single-compound phosphors offers significant advantages in color rendering and luminescence efficiency, but their synthesis is challenging because of Eu2+ oxidation. Using the tunable nature of the metal-ion nodes in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), we present an in situ reduction and crystallization route for preparing MOFs and doping Eu2+/Eu3+ with a controlled ratio. These materials exhibit rich photoluminescence, including intrinsic- and sensitized-emissions of Eu2+ and Eu3+, and long-lived luminescence from charge transfer. Color rendering can be easily achieved by fine-tuning the valence states of Eu. A linear relation between temperature and the intensity ratio of Eu2+/Eu3+ emissions provides outstanding properties for applications as self-calibrated luminescent thermometers with a wide working temperature range. Further incorporation of Tb3+ into the MOFs results in white light, utilizing all Eu2+,Tb3+, and Eu3+ emissions in a single crystalline lattice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three thorium(iv)-based metal–organic hybrid compounds with 2D layered and 3D framework structures exhibiting graphene-like (6,3) sheet topologies were prepared with linkers with threefold symmetry. These compounds contain rare and relatively anisotropic coordination environments for low-valent actinides that are similar to those often observed for high-valent actinide ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Removal of 99TcO4− from legacy defense nuclear tank waste at Savannah River Site is highly desirable for the purpose of nuclear safety and environmental protection, but currently not achievable given the extreme conditions including high alkalinity, high ionic strength, and strong radiation field. Herein, we present a potential solution to this long-term issue by developing a two-dimensional cationic metal organic framework SCU-103, showing ultrahigh stability in alkaline aqueous media and great resistance to both β and γ radiation. More importantly, it is very effective for 99TcO4− separation from aqueous media as demonstrated by fast exchange kinetics, high sorption capacity, and superior selectivity, leading to the successful removal of 99TcO4− from actual Savannah River Site high level tank waste for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. In addition, the uptake mechanism is comprehensively elucidated by molecular dynamics simulation and density functional theory calculation, showing a unique chemical recognition of anions with low charge density. Separation of 99TcO4− from nuclear waste at the Savannah River Site is hampered by the extreme conditions. Here, the authors propose a solution by developing an alkaline-resistant metal organic framework material featuring unique recognition sites for selective incorporation of 99TcO4− anions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel Zr(IV)-based MOF with high-density free carboxylic groups was constructed. • The MOF demonstrates high stability and excellent uranium removal performance. • Dynamic sorption tests highlight its potential for treating radioactive wastewater. • The mechanism for its excellent ability to adsorb U(VI) was investigated. The extraction of uranium from aqueous environments, including the ocean and radioactive wastewater, represents a significant challenge with profound implications for energy resources and environmental remediation. This work presents the design and synthesis of a novel highly stable carboxylated metal–organic framework, BUT-12-3COOH, which achieves excellent U(VI) extraction ability from water. BUT-12-3COOH features high-density free carboxylic groups, exceptional chemical stability, fast kinetics, and high adsorption capacity for U(VI). Dynamic sorption experiments further demonstrated the potential of BUT-12-3COOH in treating real radioactive wastewater. The mechanisms for the U(VI) capture of BUT-12-3COOH are investigated through the combination of EDS, FT-IR, and XPS analysis. The results of this study underscore the promising utility of BUT-12-3COOH as an effective sorbent for extracting radionuclides from environmental specimens and liquid nuclear waste streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• New uranyl uptake strategy with combined complexation and photoreduction is shown. • An ultrahigh uranyl uptake capacity not limited by the sorption site is achieved. • Uranyl can be removed completely regardless of its initial concentration. • Uranyl extraction is not affected by the coexisting metal cations. Uranium enrichment is perhaps the most critical chemical process throughout the nuclear fuel cycle including uranium mining, uranium extraction from seawater, used fuel reprocessing and disposal, and environmental contamination remediation. New uranium extraction technology is still highly desirable at current stage, although a variety of extraction methods have been established and developed in the past several decades but all with clear demerits. Herein we present a new uranium extraction strategy with combined ligand complexation and photocatalytic reduction based on postsynthetically functionalized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The highly robust and photoactive MOF PCN-222 is modified with phosphono- and amino groups that can capture U(VI) from solution. Upon visible light irradiation, the photo-induced electrons from the MOF host can efficiently reduce U(VI) pre-enriched in MOF, affording neutral uranium species that evacuate the MOF structure and regenerating the active site readily for capturing additional U(VI). This auto-recycled process offers an ultrahigh uranium extraction capacity not limited by the number of adsorption sites and more importantly an extra uranium uptake selectivity over these non-redox-active competing metal cations, and can be utilized for uranium separation over extremely wide uranium concentrations and pH ranges, showing a powerful application potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We report here the investigation of using a luminescent europium organic framework, [Eu 2 (MTBC)(OH) 2 (DMF) 3 (H 2 O) 4 ]·2DMF·7H 2 O (denoted as compound 1), for detecting of both Cu2+ and UO 2 2+ with high sensitivity. Based on the spectroscopy analysis, compound 1 could selectively respond to Cu2+ and UO 2 2+ ions among other selected monovalent, divalent, trivalent metal cations based on a turn-off mechanism. The detection limit of compound 1 towards Cu2+ ion was as low as 17.2 μg/L, which is much lower than the maximum tolerable concentration of Cu2+ in drinking water (2 mg/L) defined by United States Environmental Protection Agency. On the other hand, the detection limit towards UO 2 2+ ions is 309.2 μg/L, which could be used for detecting uranium in relative severely contaminated areas. The concentration-dependent luminescence intensity evolution process could be fully understood by the absorption kinetics and isotherm investigations. Furthermore, the quenching mechanism was elucidated by the UV-vis, excitation, luminescence, and lifetime studies. Compound 1 , as the first MOF based luminescence probe for both Cu2+ and UO 2 2+ ions, provides insight into developing MOF-based multifunctional sensors for both nonradioactive and radioactive elements. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • A new lanthanide metal organic framework was used for both radioactive UO 2 2+ and nonradioactive Cu2+ detection. • The detection limits toward UO 2 2+ and Cu2+ are 17.2 ppb and 309.2 ppb respectively. • The material could be used for directly detecting UO 2 2+ and Cu2+ contamination in a wide concentration range. • The detection mechanism was systematically investigated by bath experiments, spectroscopy and lifetime studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ni-MOF can achieve selectively capture towards Xe/Kr through the window-cage structure with parallel aromatic rings. • The Xe loading capacity of Ni-MOF is the highest among all MOFs without open metal sites. • VdWs Calculations demonstrate the sorption selectivity of Xe over Kr within Ni-MOF originates from a special sandwiched π-Xe-π interaction. Efficient capture and separation of xenon (Xe) and krypton (Kr) from nuclear fuel reprocessing plants is of great significance for the control of discharge of gaseous radioisotopes into the environment. However, due to the similar size and chemically inert spherical properties of Xe/Kr, the discovery of an adsorbent with both high adsorption capacity and high selectivity remains a challenge. Here, we report a microporous MOF (Ni-MOF, [Ni 2 IINiIII(μ 3 -OH)(bdc) 3 (tpt)]·guest) featuring two different cavities with an appropriate triangular hole window size. One is composed of parallel aromatic rings with spacings of approximately 4.3 Å comparable to the kinetic diameter of Xe (4.047 Å), affording excellent binding affinity for Xe while the larger one with narrow pore window provides sufficient space for gas adsorption. The Ni-MOF material exhibits an exceptionally high Xe uptake of 5.43 mmol/g and Xe/Kr selectivity of 7.66 at 298 K and 1 bar. The adsorption capacity is the highest among all MOFs without open-metal-sites. Furthermore, the sorption selectivity of Xe over Kr within Ni-MOF originates from a special sandwiched π-Xe-π interaction revealed by Van der Waals interaction calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • ZJU-X6 is a 3-fold interlocking cationic MOF and could capture 99TcO 4. • ZJU-X6 exhibited superior sorption ability and reusability toward 99TcO 4. • PDF and crystal structure clearly elucidated the sorption mechanism. Technetium-99 is one of most problematic radionuclides with a long half-life, high environmental mobility and solubility, which exists mainly in the form of anionic pertechnetate (99TcO 4 -). Searching for sorbents that hold efficient and selective elimination of radioactive 99TcO 4 - from aqueous solution is still a big challenge and further visualizing it in the sorbents is extremely difficult. Herein, we utilized an elongated organic neutral pyridyl ligand linked with Ni2+ to yield a novel 3-fold interlocking cationic metal–organic framework (ZJU-X6). Unexpectedly, the structure of ZJU-X6 held unique displaceable water pairs on the Ni2+ node in comparison to cationic metal–organic framework constructed by Ni2+. Attainable Ni2+ nodes distinctly improved the positive charge density of the framework, affording high sorption capacity, excellent selectivity, and removal depth toward 99TcO 4 -. Pair distribution functions (PDF) were applied to analyze the changes of atom distances in materials before and after capturing ReO 4 -, clearly showing that ReO 4 - entered into the body of ZJU-X6. More detailed sorption mechanism was atomically elucidated by obtaining the single crystal structure of 99TcO 4 --incorporated ZJU-X6. It is found that the water pairs were replaced by 99TcO 4 - and each Ni2+ coordinated with two 99TcO 4 - through oxygen atoms. In addition, each 99TcO 4 - engaged in multiple C–H...O hydrogen bonding with H atoms of aromatic rings that enhanced the trapping of 99TcO 4 -. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Fe 2 ZrO 5 layer was firstly decorated on hematite with both enhanced photocurrent and lowered onset potential up to 180 mV. • A Fe 2 ZrO 5 layer was firstly decorated on hematite by using Zr-MOFs as precursor. • The layer can finally improve the photocurrent to 2.88 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE. • The layer also leads to a large cathodic shift of the onset potential up to 180 mV. • The layer is a bi-functional material as a passivation layer and the Zr-source for doping. Surface modification on hematite is widely used to improve its photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance for water splitting. Here by using Zr-based metal-organic frameworks as precursor, a thin Fe 2 ZrO 5 layer has been created on hematite surface, which can both significantly improve the photocurrent and reduce the onset potential with a prominent value of 180 mV. Moreover, by coupling with Ti-based modification and Co-Pi cocatalyst, the hematite photoanode decorated with Fe 2 ZrO 5 layer can achieve an excellent photocurrent of 2.88 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE, which is more than 3 times higher than that of the original hematite. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report for the decoration of Fe 2 ZrO 5 on hematite to improve the water splitting efficiency. The Fe 2 ZrO 5 layer acts as a bi-functional material to enhance the PEC performance, which can form a perfect passivation layer to suppress the charge recombination and provide Zr for Zr-doping in hematite to highly increase the carrier density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]