Rational design of an unusual 2D-MOF based on Cu() and 4-hydroxypyrimidine-5-carbonitrile as linker with conductive capabilities: a theoretical approach based on high-pressure XRD

Herein, we present, for the first time, a 2D-MOF based on copper and 4-hydroxypyrimidine-5-carbonitrile as the linker. Each MOF layer is perfectly flat and neutral, as is the case for graphene. High pressure X-ray diffraction measurements reveal that this layered structure can be modulated between 3.01 to 2.78 Å interlayer separation, with an evident piezochromism and varying conductive properties. An analysis of the band structure indicates that this material is conductive along different directions depending on the application of pressure or H doping. These results pave the way for the development of novel layered materials with tunable and efficient properties for pressure-based sensors. A copper and 4-hydroxypyrimidine-5-carbonitrile based MOF presents a flexible 2D-layered structure in which, as shown by high pressure X-ray diffraction, the interlayer separation is modulated between 3.01 to 2.78 Å with varying conductive properties.