time-resolved monitoring of mixed-ligand metal-organic framework mechanosynthesis

The mechanism of mixed-ligand metal-organic framework (MOF) formation, and the possible role of intermediate single-ligand metal complexes during mechanosynthesis, have not been explored yet. For the first time, we report here in situ real-time monitoring of the mechanochemical formation mechanism of mixed-ligand MOFs. Our results show that binary phases can act as intermediates or competing products in one-pot and stepwise synthesis. The mechanism of mixed-ligand metal-organic framework (MOF) formation, and the possible role of intermediate single-ligand metal complexes during mechanosynthesis, are explored for the first time.