An Investigation of a Series of Layered Zn-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane Metal–organic Frameworks: Local Structure and Adsorption Properties of Mixed-Metal Centre

The mixed-metal pillar-layered metal–organic frameworks of Zn(bdc)(DABCO)0.5, Zn0.5Cu0.5(bdc)(DABCO)0.5 and Cu(bdc)(DABCO)0.5 (bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, DABCO = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) are investigated for their local structures and gas adsorption properties. According to the obtained electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra, the distorted structures around Cu2+ are proposed to be tetragonally and orthorhombically elongated [CuO4N] with the well fitted high-order perturbation formulae of the EPR parameters. Due to the doped Cu2+, the adsorption isotherms of industrially relevant gases (CO2, CO, CH4 and N2) and lower alkanes (CH4, C2H6, C3H8, C4H10 and C5H12) are different, especially at different temperatures. By combining the structural properties and adsorption isotherms, a comprehensive study suggests that the ZnDABCO series can be a controllable tool in gas storage and separation.