Selective two-electron and four-electron oxygen reduction reactions using Co-based electrocatalysts

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) can take place via both four-electron (4e-) and two-electron (2e-) pathways. The 4e- ORR, which produces water (H2O) as the only product, is the key reaction at the cathode of fuel cells and metal-air batteries. On the other hand, the 2e- ORR can be used to electrocatalytically synthesize hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). For the practical applications of the ORR, it is very important to precisely control the selectivity. Understanding structural effects on the ORR provides the basis to control the selectivity. Co-based electrocatalysts have been extensively studied for the ORR due to their high activity, low cost, and relative ease of synthesis. More importantly, by appropriately designing their structures, Co-based electrocatalysts can become highly selective for either the 2e- or the 4e- ORR. Therefore, Co-based electrocatalysts are ideal models for studying fundamental structure-selectivity relationships of the ORR. This review starts by introducing the reaction mechanism and selectivity evaluation of the ORR. Next, Co-based electrocatalysts, especially Co porphyrins, used for the ORR with both 2e- and 4e- selectivity are summarized and discussed, which leads to the conclusion of several key structural factors for ORR selectivity regulation. On the basis of this understanding, future works on the use of Co-based electrocatalysts for the ORR are suggested. This review is valuable for the rational design of molecular catalysts and material catalysts with high selectivity for 4e- and 2e- ORRs. The structural regulation of Co-based electrocatalysts also provides insights into the design and development of ORR electrocatalysts based on other metal elements.

Synergistic cancer treatment using porphyrin-based metal-organic Frameworks for photodynamic and photothermal therapy

Recent advancements in multifunctional nanomaterials for cancer therapy have highlighted porphyrin-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as promising candidates due to their unique properties and versatile applications. This overview focuses on the use of porphyrin-based MOFs for combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) in cancer treatment. Porphyrin-based MOFs offer high porosity, tuneable structures, and excellent stability, making them ideal for drug delivery and therapeutic applications. The incorporation of porphyrin molecules into the MOF framework enhances light absorption and energy transfer, leading to improved photodynamic and photothermal effects. Additionally, the porosity of MOFs allows for the encapsulation of therapeutic agents, further enhancing efficacy. In PDT, porphyrin-based MOFs generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon light activation, destroying cancer cells. The photothermal properties enable the conversion of light energy into heat, resulting in localised hyperthermia and tumour ablation. The combination of PDT and PTT in a single platform offers synergistic effects, leading to better therapeutic outcomes, reduced side effects, and improved selectivity. This dual-modal treatment strategy provides precise spatiotemporal control over the treatment process, paving the way for next-generation therapeutics with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects. Further research and optimisation are needed for clinical applications.

Recent Developments in Porphyrin-Based Metal-Organic Framework Materials for Water Remediation under Visible-Light Irradiation

Access to clean drinking water is a basic requirement, and eliminating pollutants from wastewater is important for saving water ecosystems. The porous structure and surface characteristics of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can function as a perfect scaffold for removing toxic compounds from wastewater. Porphyrins are promising building blocks for constructing MOFs. Porphyrin-based metal-organic frameworks (P-MOFs) have been fabricated using porphyrin ligands, metal clusters, or ions. These materials can harvest light from a wide region of the solar spectrum, and their framework morphology and physicochemical properties can be controlled by changing their peripheral subunits or metal ions. These porous crystalline materials have generated interest because of their distinctive characteristics, including large permanent porosity, interesting surface morphology, broad conformational diversity, high photostability, and semiconducting nature. This article discusses the recent progress and usefulness of P-MOFs. The fabrication procedures of P-MOFs are discussed, followed by the adsorptive and photocatalytic removal of contaminants from wastewater. The relationships between the geometries of P-MOFs and their light-harvesting and charge-transfer mechanisms for the photocatalytic degradation of pollutants are highlighted. Finally, some future perspectives and obstacles in the photodegradation usage of P-MOFs are discussed, along with feasible research directions to standardize efficient photocatalysts for improved photodegradation for water treatment.

A New Member of the Metal-Porphyrin Frameworks Family: Structure, Physicochemical Properties, Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide Adsorption

A novel holmium-based porous metal-porphyrin framework, {(H3 O+ )[Ho(H2 TPPS)]-  ⋅ 4H2 O}n (denoted as UPJS-17), was synthesised by hydrothermal reaction. Structural analysis reveals, that UPJS-17 has a three-dimensional open framework. The framework is negatively charged and the negative charge is compensated by hydronium cation. The compound showed no N2 adsorption but the Ar, CO2 and H2 . From the argon adsorption, the surface area of ~150 m2  g-1 was determined. Carbon dioxide adsorption was measured at various temperatures (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 °C) and the compound showed the highest adsorption capacity (at 0 °C) of 7.0 wt % of CO2 . From the carbon dioxide adsorption isotherms the isosteric heat of 56,5 kJ mol-1 was determined. Hydrogen adsorption was studied at -196 °C with hydrogen uptake of 2.1 wt % at 1 bar.

Sunlight-Driven Photocatalysis for a Set of 3D Metal-Porphyrin Frameworks Based on a Planar Tetracarboxylic Ligand and Lanthanide Ions

Metal-porphyrin frameworks (MPFs) with trivalent lanthanide ions are the most sought-after materials in the past decade. Their porosities are usually complemented by optical properties imparted by the metal nodes, making them attractive multifunctional materials. Here, we report a novel family of 3D MPFs obtained through solvothermal reactions between tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (H4TCPP) and different lanthanide sources, yielding an isostructural family of compounds along the lanthanide series: [Ln2(DMF)(TCPP)1.5] for Ln = La, Ce, Nd, Pr, Er, Y, Tb, Dy, Sm, Eu, Gd, and Tm. Photoluminescent properties of selected phases were explored at room temperature. Also, the photocatalytic performance exhibited by these compounds under sunlight exposure is promising for its implementation in organic pollutant degradation. In order to study the photocatalytic activity of Ln-TCPPs in an aqueous medium, methylene blue (MB) was used as a contaminant model. The efficiency for MB degradation was Sm > Y > Yb > Gd > Er > Eu > either no catalyst or no light, obtaining more than 70% degradation at 120 min with Sm-TCPP. These results open the possibility of using these compounds in optical and optoelectronic devices for water remediation and sensing.

Synthesis and Design of Hybrid Metalloporphyrin Polymers Based on Palladium (II) and Copper (II) Cations and Axial Complexes of Pyridyl-Substituted Sn(IV)Porphyrins with Octopamine

Supramolecular metalloporphyrin polymers formed by binding tetrapyrrolic macrocycle peripheral nitrogen atoms to Pd(II) cations and Sn(IV)porphyrins extra-ligands reaction centers to Cu(II) cations were obtained and identified. The structure and the formation mechanism of obtained hydrophobic Sn(IV)-porphyrin oligomers and polymers in solution were established, and their resistance to UV radiation and changes in solution temperature was studied. It was shown that the investigated polyporphyrin nanostructures are porous materials with predominance cylindrical mesopores. Density functional theory (DFT) was used to geometrically optimize the experimentally obtained supramolecular porphyrin polymers. The sizes of unit cells in porphyrin tubular structures were determined and coincided with the experimental data. The results obtained can be used to create highly porous materials for separation, storage, transportation, and controlled release of substrates of different nature, including highly volatile, explosive, and toxic gases.

Computational study of ground-state properties of μ2 -bridged group 14 porphyrinic sandwich complexes

The structural properties of μ₂ -bridged porphyrinic double-decker complexes are investigated and the influence of various ligands, metals, substituents, and bridging atoms on the dominant structural motif is elucidated. A variety of quantum chemical methods including semiempirical (SQM) methods and density functional theory (DFT) is assessed for the calculation of ecliptic and staggered conformational energies. Local coupled cluster (DLPNO-CCSD(T1)) data are generated for reference. The r² SCAN-3c composite scheme as well as the B2PLYP-D4/def2-QZVPP approach are identified as reliable methods. Energy decomposition analyses (EDA) and localized molecular orbital analyses (LMO) are used to investigate the bonding situation and the nature of the inter-ligand interaction energy underlining the crucial role of attractive London dispersion interactions. Targeted modification of the bridging atom, e.g., by replacing O^2- by S^2- is shown to drastically change the major structural features of the investigated complexes. Further, the influence of different substituents of varying size at the phthalocyanine ligand regarding the dominant conformation is described.

Sn(IV)-Porphyrin-Based Nanostructures Featuring Pd(II)-Mediated Supramolecular Arrays and Their Photocatalytic Degradation of Acid Orange 7 Dye

Two robust Sn(IV)-porphyrin-based supramolecular arrays (1 and 2) were synthesized via the reaction of trans-Pd(PhCN)2Cl2 with two precursor building blocks (SnP1 and SnP2). The structural patterns in these architectures vary from 2D to 3D depending on the axial ligation of Sn(IV)-porphyrin units. A discrete 2D tetrameric supramolecule (1) was constructed by coordination of {(trans-dihydroxo)[5,10-bis(4-pyridyl)-15,20-bis(phenyl) porphyrinato]}tin(IV) (SnP1) with trans-PdCl2 units. In contrast, the coordination between the {(trans-diisonicotinato)[5,10-bis(4-pyridyl)-15,20-bis(phenyl)porphyrinato]}tin(IV) (SnP2) and trans-PdCl2 units formed a divergent 3D array (2). Axial ligation of the Sn(IV)-porphyrin building blocks not only alters the supramolecular arrays but also significantly modifies the nanostructures, including porosity, surface area, stability, and morphology. These structural changes consequently affected the photocatalytic degradation efficiency under visible-light irradiation towards acid orange 7 (AO) dye in an aqueous solution. The degradation efficiency of the AO dye in the aqueous solution was observed to be between 86% to 91% within 90 min by these photocatalysts.

Post-synthetically modified metal-porphyrin framework GaTCPP for carbon dioxide adsorption and energy storage in Li-S batteries

Lithium-sulphur batteries attract increasing interest due to their high theoretical specific capacity, advantageous economy, and "eco-friendliness". In this study, a metal-organic framework (MOF) GaTCPP containing a porphyrinic base ligand was used as a conductive additive for sulphur. GaTCPP was synthesized, characterized, and post-synthetically modified by the transition metal ions (Co2+/Ni2+). The doping of GaTCPP ensured an increase in the carbon dioxide adsorption capacities, which were measured under different conditions. Post-synthetic modification of GaTCPP with Co2+/Ni2+ ions has been shown to increase carbon dioxide storage capacity from 22.8 wt% for unmodified material to 23.1 wt% and 26.5 wt% at 0 °C and 1 bar for Co2+ and Ni2+-doped analogues, respectively. As a conductive part of cathode material, MOFs displayed successful sulphur capture and encapsulation proven by stable charge/discharge cycle performances, high-capacity retention, and coulombic efficiency. The electrodes with pristine GaTCPP showed a discharge capacity of 699 mA h g-1 at 0.2C in the fiftieth cycle. However, the doping of GaTCPP by Ni2+ has a positive impact on the electrochemical properties, the capacity increased to 778 mA h g-1 in the fiftieth cycle at 0.2C.

N-doped porous carbons derived from Zn-porphyrin-MOF

N-doped porous metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived carbons (MDCs) were directly synthesized from a new Zn-DpyDtolP-MOF (ZnDpyDtolP·1/2DMF, H2DpyDtolP = 5,15-di(4-pyridyl)-10,20-di(4-methylphenyl)porphyrin) containing a 3D hexagonal network through a self-templated carbonization method. KOH-activated MDC derivatives denoted as MDC-700-nKOH were also prepared with different weight ratios of KOH activator to MDC (MDC : KOH = 1 : n, where n = 1, 2). Compared to bare MDC, MDC-700-nKOH showed effective improvements of both gas sorption and electrochemical capacitive properties. More developed microporosity by KOH activation might induce great enhancement of high operating capacitive performances. The N-doped MDC-700-2KOH had high maximum gravimetric specific capacitance (555.6 F g-1) and specific energy (40.4 W h kg-1) at 0.1 A g-1 in 1 M H2SO4. Even at a high current density of 190 A g-1 in 6 M KOH, it exhibited high capacitive performance with a large specific power of 80 423 W kg-1. MDC-700-nKOH electrodes also showed good recycling properties of electrochemical capacitance up to 30 000 cycles.

Pyrene and porphyrin-based Zn metal 1-D-polymer: synthesis, molecular structure, and photocatalytic property

A zinc-based pyrene-porphyrin hybrid linear 1-D coordination polymer ZnPyrPorp with general formula [Zn(Pyr)(Porp)]n (Pyr = pyrene, Porp = tetraphenylporphyrin) was synthesized using a facile one-pot solvothermal method and fully characterized...

Porphyrin-Containing MOFs and COFs as Heterogeneous Photosensitizers for Singlet Oxygen-Based Antimicrobial Nanodevices

Visible-light irradiation of porphyrin and metalloporphyrin dyes in the presence of molecular oxygen can result in the photocatalytic generation of singlet oxygen (¹O₂). This type II reactive oxygen species (ROS) finds many applications where the dye, also called the photosensitizer, is dissolved (i.e., homogeneous phase) along with the substrate to be oxidized. In contrast, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are insoluble (or will disassemble) when placed in a solvent. When stable as a suspension, MOFs adsorb a large amount of O₂ and photocatalytically generate ¹O₂ in a heterogeneous process efficiently. Considering the immense surface area and great capacity for gas adsorption of MOFs, they seem ideal candidates for this application. Very recently, covalent-organic frameworks (COFs), variants where reticulation relies on covalent rather than coordination bonds, have emerged as efficient photosensitizers. This comprehensive mini review describes recent developments in the use of porphyrin-based or porphyrin-containing MOFs and COFs, including nanosized versions, as heterogeneous photosensitizers of singlet oxygen toward antimicrobial applications.

In Situ Porphyrin Substitution in a Zr(IV)-MOF for Stability Enhancement and Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction

Despite numerous inherent merits of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), structural fragility has imposed great restrictions on their wider involvement in many applications, such as in catalysis. Herein, a strategy for enhancing stability and enabling functionality in a labile Zr(IV)-MOF has been proposed by in situ porphyrin substitution. A size- and geometry-matched robust linear porphyrin ligand 4,4'-(porphyrin-5,15-diyl)dibenzolate (DCPP^2- ) is selected to replace the 4,4'-(1,3,6,8-tetraoxobenzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-2,7(1H,3H,6H,8H)-diyl)dibenzoate (NDIDB^2- ) ligand in the synthesis of BUT-109(Zr), affording BUT-110 with varied porphyrin contents. Compared to BUT-109(Zr), the chemical stability of BUT-110 series is greatly improved. Metalloporphyrin incorporation endows BUT-110 MOFs with high catalytic activity in the photoreduction of CO₂ , in the absence of photosensitizers. By tuning the metal species and porphyrin contents in BUT-110, the resulting BUT-110-50%-Co is demonstrated to be a good photocatalyst for selective CO₂ -to-CO reduction, via balancing the chemical stability, photocatalytic efficiency, and synthetic cost. This work highlights the advantages of in situ ligand substitution for MOF modification, by which uniform distribution and high content of the incoming ligand are accessible in the resulting MOFs. More importantly, it provides a promising approach to convert unstable MOFs, which mainly constitute the vast MOF database but have always been neglected, into robust functional materials.

Applications of nanoscale metal-organic frameworks as imaging agents in biology and medicine

Nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (NMOFs) are an interesting and unique class of hybrid porous materials constructed by the self-assembly of metal ions/clusters with organic linkers. The high storage capacities, facile synthesis, easy surface functionalization, diverse compositions and excellent biocompatibilities of NMOFs have made them promising agents for theranostic applications. By combination of a large variety of metal ions and organic ligands, and incorporation of desired molecular functionalities including imaging modalities and therapeutic molecules, diverse MOF structures with versatile functionalities can be obtained and utilized in biomedical imaging and drug delivery. In recent years, NMOFs have attracted great interest as imaging agents in optical imaging (OI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI). Furthermore, the significant porosity of MOFs allows them to be loaded with multiple imaging agents and therapeutics simultaneously and applied for multimodal imaging and therapy as a single entity. In this review, which is intended as an introduction to the use of MOFs in biomedical imaging for a reader entering the subject, we summarize the up-to-date progress of NMOFs as bioimaging agents, giving (i) a broad perspective of the varying imaging techniques that MOFs can enable, (ii) the different routes to manufacturing functionalised MOF nanoparticles and hybrids, and (iii) the integration of imaging with differing therapeutic techniques. The current challenges and perspectives of NMOFs for their further clinical translation are also highlighted and discussed.

Photocatalytic Oxygenation of Heterostilbenes—Batch versus Microflow Reactor

On the basis of earlier results with furan and thiophene derivatives of benzobicyclo[3.2.1]octadiene, photocatalytic oxygenation of novel furo- and thieno heterostilbenes with water-soluble manganese(III) porphyrins offered suitable possibilities to study their reactivities and reaction pathways depending on the heteroatom and the catalyst charge. The experiments were carried out in two reactors types (batch and microflow) to investigate the geometric effects. NMR spectroscopy, GC, and UPLC/MS analyses were applied for identification and quantification of the products. As our results indicated, the 2-thienyl and the common p-tolyl groups in the starting compounds remained intact due to their stronger aromaticity. Hence, the thieno derivative underwent oxygenation only at the open-chain part of the molecule, and the rates of its reactions were much lower than those of the furyl analogue. The less stable furan ring was easily oxygenated, its products with highest ratios were 2-furanon derivatives. Epoxide formation occurred at the open-chain parts of both substrates preferably by the anionic catalyst. Nevertheless, the conversion rates of the substrates were higher with the cationic porphyrin, according to electrophilic attacks by photogenerated Mn(V)=O species. Additionally, the reactions were significantly faster in microflow reactors due to the more favorable circumstances of mass transfer, diffusion, and light penetration.

New Polyporphyrin Arrays with Controlled Fluorescence Obtained by Diaxial Sn(IV)-Porphyrin Phenolates Chelation with Cu2+ Cation

New coordination oligomers and polymers of Sn(IV)-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin have been constructed by the chelation reaction of its diaxialphenolates with Cu2+. The structure and properties of the synthesized polyporphyrin arrays were investigated by 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR), Infra Red (IR), Ultra Violet - Visible (UV-Vis) and fluorescence spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, Powder X-Rays Diffraction (PXRD), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), thermal gravimetric, elemental analysis, and quantum chemical calculations. The results show that the diaxial coordination of bidentate organic ligands (L-tyrazine and diaminohydroquinone) leads to the quenching of the tetrapyrrole chromophore fluorescence, while the chelation of the porphyrinate diaxial complexes with Cu2+ is accompanied by an increase in the fluorescence in the organo-inorganic hybrid polymers formed. The obtained results are of particular interest to those involved in creating new 'chemo-responsive' (i.e., selectively interacting with other chemical species as receptors, sensors, or photocatalysts) materials, the optoelectronic properties of which can be controlled by varying the number and connection type of monomeric fragments in the polyporphyrin arrays.

New Polyporphyrin Arrays with Controlled Fluorescence Obtained by Diaxial Sn(IV)-Porphyrin Phenolates Chelation with Cu2+ Cation

New coordination oligomers and polymers of Sn(IV)-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin have been constructed by the chelation reaction of its diaxialphenolates with Cu2+. The structure and properties of the synthesized polyporphyrin arrays were investigated by 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR), Infra Red (IR), Ultra Violet - Visible (UV-Vis) and fluorescence spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, Powder X-Rays Diffraction (PXRD), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), thermal gravimetric, elemental analysis, and quantum chemical calculations. The results show that the diaxial coordination of bidentate organic ligands (L-tyrazine and diaminohydroquinone) leads to the quenching of the tetrapyrrole chromophore fluorescence, while the chelation of the porphyrinate diaxial complexes with Cu2+ is accompanied by an increase in the fluorescence in the organo-inorganic hybrid polymers formed. The obtained results are of particular interest to those involved in creating new ‘chemo-responsive’ (i.e., selectively interacting with other chemical species as receptors, sensors, or photocatalysts) materials, the optoelectronic properties of which can be controlled by varying the number and connection type of monomeric fragments in the polyporphyrin arrays.

Porphyrin-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks for Biomedical Applications

Porphyrins and porphyrin derivatives have been widely explored for various applications owing to their excellent photophysical and electrochemical properties. However, inherent shortcomings, such as instability and self-quenching under physiological conditions, limit their biomedical applications. In recent years, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have received increasing attention. The construction of porphyrin-based MOFs by introducing porphyrin molecules into MOFs or using porphyrins as organic linkers to form MOFs can combine the unique features of porphyrins and MOFs as well as overcome the limitations of porphyrins. This Review summarizes important synthesis strategies for porphyrin-based MOFs including porphyrin@MOFs, porphyrinic MOFs, and composite porphyrinic MOFs, and highlights recent achievements and progress in the development of porphyrin-based MOFs for biomedical applications in tumor therapy and biosensing. Finally, the challenges and prospects presented by this class of emerging materials for biomedical applications are discussed.

Porphyrin and phthalocyanine-based metal organic frameworks beyond metal-carboxylates

Given the ubiquitous role of porphyrins in natural systems, these molecules and related derivatives such as phthalocyanines are fascinating building units to achieve functional porous materials. Porphyrin-based MOFs have been developed over the past three decades, yet chemically robust frameworks, necessary for applications, have been achieved much more recently and this field is expanding. This progress is partially driven by the development of porphyrins and phthalocyanines bearing alternative coordinating groups (phosphonate, azolates, phenolates…) that allowed moving the related MOFs beyond metal-carboxylates and achieving new topologies and properties. In this perspective article we first give a brief outline of the synthetic pathways towards simple porphyrins and phthalocyanines bearing these complexing groups. The related MOF compounds are then described; their structural and textural properties are discussed, as well as their stability and physical properties. An overview of the resulting nets and topologies is proposed, showing both the similarities with metal-carboxylate phases and the peculiarities related to the alternative coordinating groups. Eventually, the opportunities offered by this recent research topic, in terms of both synthesis pathways and modulation of pore size and shape, stability and physical properties, are discussed.

Porphyrin-based frameworks for oxygen electrocatalysis and catalytic reduction of carbon dioxide

The recent progress made on porphyrin-based frameworks and their applications in energy-related conversion technologies (e.g., ORR, OER and CO₂RR) and storage technologies (e.g., Zn–air batteries).

Architectural and catalytic aspects of designer materials built using metalloligands of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide based ligands

This perspective presents the design, synthesis and crystal structures of a large number of architectures constructed using assorted metalloligands of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide based ligands. The metalloligands offered various appended functional groups, whereas design strategies included varying both their position and number. A combination of these parameters resulted in the development of assorted architectures including discrete trinuclear and tetranuclear complexes as well as 1D/2D/3D coordination polymers. The metalloligand strategy not only assisted in the construction of ordered crystalline materials with varied dimensionalities but also judiciously allowed the incorporation of Lewis acidic and redox-active secondary metals in the resultant architectures. As a result, such designer architectures illustrated their noteworthy role both as homogenous and heterogeneous catalysts in different organic transformation reactions.

Coordination Polymers Based on Highly Emissive Ligands: Synthesis and Functional Properties

Coordination polymers are constructed from metal ions and bridging ligands, linking them into solid-state structures extending in one (1D), two (2D) or three dimensions (3D). Two- and three-dimensional coordination polymers with potential voids are often referred to as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) or porous coordination polymers. Luminescence is an important property of coordination polymers, often playing a key role in their applications. Photophysical properties of the coordination polymers can be associated with intraligand, metal-centered, guest-centered, metal-to-ligand and ligand-to-metal electron transitions. In recent years, a rapid growth of publications devoted to luminescent or fluorescent coordination polymers can be observed. In this review the use of fluorescent ligands, namely, 4,4'-stilbenedicarboxylic acid, 1,3,4-oxadiazole, thiazole, 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole, terpyridine and carbazole derivatives, naphthalene diimides, 4,4',4''-nitrilotribenzoic acid, ruthenium(II) and iridium(III) complexes, boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivatives, porphyrins, for the construction of coordination polymers are surveyed. Applications of such coordination polymers based on their photophysical properties will be discussed. The review covers the literature published before April 2020.

Metalloporphyrinic metal-organic frameworks: Controlled synthesis for catalytic applications in environmental and biological media

Recently, as a new sub-family of porous coordination polymers (PCPs), porphyrinic-MOFs (Porph-MOFs) with biomimetic features have been developed using porphyrin macrocycles as ligands and/or pillared linkers. The control over the coordination of the porphyrin ligand and its derivatives however remains a challenge for engineering new tunable Porph-MOF frameworks by self-assembly methods. The key challenges exist in the following respects: (i) collapse of the large open pores of Porph-MOFs during synthesis, (ii) deactivation of unsaturated metal-sites (UMCs) by axial coordination, and (iii) the tendency of both coordinated moieties (at peripheral meso- and beta-carbon sites) and the N₄-pyridine core to coordinate with metal cations. In this respect, this review covers the advances in the design of Porph-MOFs relative to their counterpart covalent organic frameworks (Porph-COFs). The potential utility of custom-designed porphyrin/metalloporphyrins ligands is highlighted. Synthesis strategies of Porph-MOFs are also illustrated with modular design of hybrid guest@host composites (either Porph@MOFs or guest@Porph-MOFs) with exceptional topologies and stability. This review summarizes the synergistic benefits of coordinated porphyrin ligands and functional guest molecules in Porph-MOF composites for enhanced catalytic performance in various redox applications. This review shed lights on the engineering of new tunable hetero-metals open active sites within (metallo)porphyrin-MOFs as out-of-the-box platforms for enhanced catalytic processes in chemical and biological media.

Heterocomponent ternary supramolecular complexes of porphyrins: A review

Porphyrins are prominent host molecules which are widely used due to their structural characteristics and directional interaction sites. This review summarizes non-covalently bound ternary complexes of porphyrins, constructed from at least three non-identical species. Progress in supramolecular chemistry allows the creation of complex molecular machinery tools, such as rotors, motors and switches from relatively simple structures in a single self-assembly step. In the current review, we highlight the collection of sophisticated molecular ensembles including sandwich-type complexes, cages, capsules, tweezers, rotaxanes, and supramolecular architectures mediating oxygen-binding and oxidation reactions. These diverse structures have high potential to be applied in sensing, production of new smart materials as well as in medical science.

Electrical conductivity and magnetic bistability in metal–organic frameworks and coordination polymers: charge transport and spin crossover at the nanoscale

This review aims to reassess the progress, issues and opportunities in the path towards integrating conductive and magnetically bistable coordination polymers and metal–organic frameworks as active components in electronic devices.

Guest-responsive polaritons in a porous framework: chromophoric sponges in optical QED cavities

Introducing porous material into optical cavities is a critical step toward the utilization of quantum-electrodynamical (QED) effects for advanced technologies, e.g. in the context of sensing. We demonstrate that crystalline, porous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are well suited for the fabrication of optical cavities. In going beyond functionalities offered by other materials, they allow for the reversible loading and release of guest species into and out of optical resonators. For an all-metal mirror-based Fabry–Perot cavity we yield strong coupling (∼21% Rabi splitting). This value is remarkably large, considering that the high porosity of the framework reduces the density of optically active moieties relative to the corresponding bulk structure by ∼60%. Such a strong response of a porous chromophoric scaffold could only be realized by employing silicon-phthalocyanine (SiPc) dyes designed to undergo strong J-aggregation when assembled into a MOF. Integration of the SiPc MOF as active component into the optical microcavity was realized by employing a layer-by-layer method. The new functionality opens up the possibility to reversibly and continuously tune QED devices and to use them as optical sensors.

A phthalocyanine-based porous material in optical cavity exhibited strong coupling and guest responsive polariton feature.

Extending mechanochemical porphyrin synthesis to bulkier aromatics: tetramesitylporphyrin

Aldehydes with bulky substituents in the ortho-positions have been historically difficult in porphyrin synthesis, presumably owing to steric hindrance around the reactive site. We have used mechanochemistry for the simple, room-temperature synthesis of tetra-meso-substituted porphyrins. In the present study, mesitaldehyde undergoes acid-catalyzed mechanochemical condensation with pyrrole to give meso-tetrakis[2,4,6-(trimethyl)phenyl]porphyrin (TMP) after oxidation in solution. Yields are similar to those obtained using high-temperature porphyrin synthesis, although they remain significantly lower than some optimized room-temperature, solution-based methods. Yields of the mechanochemical synthesis were found to increase slightly upon longer exposure to an organic oxidizing agent in solution. This indicates that the mechanochemical condensation step may be more successful than initially realized. This work shows that mechanochemistry is a successful, simple, room-temperature method for producing tetra-meso-substituted porphyrins with bulky substituents.

New porphyrins: synthesis, characterization, and computational studies

New trans-A₂B₂-porphyrins substituted at phenyl positions were synthesized from 4-methylphthalic acid as a starting material through sequential multistep reactions. These macrocycles were characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ¹⁹F NMR, ¹H-¹H COSY NMR, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Computational studies were performed on the porphyrins to investigate various factors such as structural features, electronic energy, energy gaps, and aromaticity. Energy band gap values of these compounds especially N-hydroxyphthalimide-functionalized porphyrins were small that makes them as good candidates for solar cell systems and photocatalysis. Relationships between electronic energies and aromaticity of the compounds were then investigated. The data indicated that the aromaticity features at the center of two series of these compounds (fluorinated and non-fluorinated porphyrins) were in the opposite manner.