Conversion of CO2 into porous metal-organic framework monoliths

We demonstrate the one-pot conversion of CO2 into amorphous formate-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that form grain-boundary-free monoliths with permanent porosity through hot-pressing. The local coordination geometries of metal ions are characterized using solid-state NMR and synchrotron total X-ray scattering analyses. Hot-pressing decreases the pore sizes of monoliths, enhancing the adsorption selectivity toward H2. The key for the formation of microporous monoliths is the coordination network in which formate, capable of adopting various coordination modes, is connected via stable metal-oxygen bonds.