Assembly of Face Decorated Cuboidal Cages into Ultraporous Structures with Hierarchical Porosity: Accessing MOFs with the Awaited red-a Topology
The rational design of ultraporous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with hierarchical pore systems is of great significance but remains highly challenging. MOFs based on the reo-e or red topologies offer such pore architectures through face-shared cuboidal, cuboctahedral, and rhombicuboctahedral cages. Although hypothesized and computationally explored over the past two decades, these solids had not been experimentally realized. Here, we report the first MOFs based on the long-awaited red-a net, denoted as M-red-MOF-1 (M = Fe, Cr). Combining the nearly square yet rectangularly connected 4-c organic linker 4,4′,″,4‴-([1,1′:4′,1″-terphenyl]-3,3′′,5,5′′-tetrayltetrakis(ethyne-2,1-diyl))tetrabenzoic acid, denoted as H4TCEPT, with FeCl3·6H2O under solvothermal conditions yielded Fe-red-MOF-1 as cubic-like single crystals. Extensive characterization using SCXRD, PXRD, SEM, TEM, gas sorption, TGA, and in-silico structure modeling, confirmed the red-a topology. Argon sorption at 87 K revealed three distinct S-type steps, consistent with the hierarchical pore network and demonstrated an ultrahigh pore volume (3.56 cm3 g–1) and BET area (5081 m2 g–1). Owing to its hierarchical porosity, Fe-red-MOF-1 exhibits excellent hydrogen storage performance with high gravimetric (13.5 wt %) and volumetric (39.5 g·L–1) working capacities under temperature and pressure swing conditions (77 K/100 bar → 160 K/5 bar), placing it among the top-performing MOFs. The isostructural Cr-red-MOF-1, obtained postsynthetically, showed a remarkable water uptake of 2.81 g g–1 at 298 K, surpassing the current top-ranking Cr-soc-MOF-1 (1.95 g g–1). Isoreticular analogues, denoted as M-red-MOF-2 (M = Fe, Cr), were also synthesized using the anthracene-based linker H4TEBDA. The present work opens new directions for designing ultraporous, hierarchical MOFs based on the red-a net.
Excited to share our new publication in @jacs.acspublications.org reporting the synthesis of MOFs based on the red-a net, which remained theoretical for two decades.
This work unlocks ultraporous, hierarchical MOFs, opening new directions in reticular design.
doi.org/10.1021/jacs...
23.12.2025 10:21
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New water sorbent paper alert, the new Cr-red-MOF-1 eclipses the maximum capacity record holder of Cr-soc-MOF-1 (doi.org/10.1016/j.ch...). The pore size is massive!
Cr-red-MOF-1: doi.org/10.26434/che...
29.09.2025 01:29
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It was a pleasure to participate in the @euromof.bsky.social celebrated in Crete. Special thanks to @ptrikalitis.bsky.social and George Froudakis for the opportunity to present our results in the use of MOFs in environmental remediation @universidadgranada.bsky.social. See you all in Como (Italy)!!
28.09.2025 10:25
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The #EuroMOF2025 organizing committee extends its deepest gratitude to all speakers, session chairs, poster presenters & participants for making this an unforgettable scientific event. Your dedication and contributions made it a true success! 🙏 #Science #Research #Collaboration
27.09.2025 13:58
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6th European Conference on Metal Organic Frameworks and Porous Polymers (EuroMOF2025).
Welcome
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are delighted to welcome you to the 6th European Conference on Metal Organic Frameworks and Porous Polymers (EuroMOF2025).
Building on the success of previou...
📢 The #EuroMOF2025 Call for Papers is open until April 20th! Don't miss your chance and share your research.
📄 Submit your abstract: euromof2025.com
This year’s EuroMOF is hosted by the University of Crete, who will welcome you in beautiful #Heraklion.
#MOF #COF #PorousPolymers #MaterialsScience
24.03.2025 08:21
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🚀 Attention early-career scientists! The Young Scientist Symposium kicks off #EuroMOF2025, offering a unique platform to present and connect. Participation is free, but required.
#EuroMOF2025 #MOF #COF #PorousPolymers #YoungScientists
25.03.2025 10:29
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🌟 Calling all early-career scientists! 🌟
📍 Where? Cultural Conference Center, Heraklion, Greece
📅 When? September 20-21, 2025
💡 What? Keynote lectures, oral presentations, poster sessions, and networking ! (abstract submission until April 20th)
🔗 Details & free registration: www.euromof2025.com
24.03.2025 05:57
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📣 Early-career scientists, register now for the Young Scientist Symposium of EuroMOF 2025, 20th-21st Sept in Heraklion (Crete-Greece)!
We, the conference chairs Sven Rogge and Romy L. Ettlinger, are looking forward to exciting science and lively discussions. 🚀
www.euromof2025.com/i/YoungScien...
19.03.2025 18:19
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