Modulation of ultra-fast rotor dynamics by gas sorption in metal organic frameworks

Our work is devoted to the study of the interplay between gas adsorption and dynamics in Metal Organic Frameworks. We developed a novel class of MOFs endowed with ultra-fast rotors with energy barrier as low as 6 - 20 cal/mol. We explored the modulation of rotational dynamics by guest species, that can be effectively applied to drive a dramatic response of the dynamic properties in the solid state. Moreover, gas adsorption could also trigger structural rearrangement of MOF structure that can affect the rotational behaviour of molecular rotors. In our endeavour to fabricate switchable ferroelectric materials and porous dynamic materials for ultra-low concentration gas detection, it would be of extreme importance the study of the interplay between gas adsorption, molecular rotors dynamic and structural phase transitions. Synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction would provide fundamental information about the structure of MOFs both at variable temperatures and under gas pressure.