Interpenetrated Metal-Organic Framework Glass

Metal-organic framework (MOF) glass having a three-dimensional interpenetrated structure was prepared by a mechanical milling treatment of the corresponding interpenetrated crystal structure. Synchrotron X-ray analyses, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, and infrared/impedance spectroscopies support that the mechanical milling treatment weakened the intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the adjacent networks while maintaining the original coordination bond connectivity found in the crystalline state. The interpenetrated structure in a glassy state allows for high molecular dynamics, resulting in a soft bulk glass with lower Young's modulus and hardness compared to most MOF glasses reported.