Heterogeneity within a Mesoporous Metal–Organic Framework with Three Distinct Metal-Containing Building Units

Materials built from multiple constituents
have revealed emerging
properties that are beyond linear integration of those from single
components. We report a mesoporous metal–organic framework
made from three geometrically distinct metal-containing secondary
building units (SBUs) as a result of topological induction. The combinations
of the Cu-based triangular, Zn-based octahedral, and Zn-based square
pyramidal SBUs have created four types of cages in the network, despite
that only one organic linker pyrazolecarboxylate was used. The longest
distance for molecules maneuvering inside the largest cage is 5.2
nm. Furthermore, the complex and diversified pore environments allow
the installation of various new functionalities in the framework as
well as the expedited Ag nanoparticle formation in the pores. As presented
in the molecule movement diagram, the crystal has provided specific
arrangements of cages and apertures with distinct chemical features
for guests transporting between the pores.