Topological entrapment of macromolecules during the formation of metal-organic framework

Here we present our preliminary results on a novel approach to encapsulate large guest molecules in nanoporous materials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), via a newly discovered in situ crystal formation. This method has exciting prospects not only in the design of new organic/inorganic hybrids but also in capturing and separating molecules that are significantly larger than the actual pore size of the host MOF. Growing MOF crystals enfold macromolecules in their porous lattice. This enables the permanent immobilization of cyclic polymers in the crystals and offers a new paradigm for not only molecular capture but also molecular separation.