title: Evaluation of copper-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate metal-organic framework (Cu-MOF) as a selective sorbent for Lewis-base analytes.
abstract: The metal-organic framework copper-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate (Cu-BTC) was evaluated for its ability to selectively interact with Lewis-base analytes by examining retention on gas-chromatographic columns packed with Chromosorb W HP that contained 3.0% SE-30 along with various loadings of Cu-BTC. Scanning electron microscopy images of the support material showed the characteristic Cu-BTC crystals embedded in the SE-30 coating on the diatomaceous support. The results indicated that the Cu-BTC-containing stationary phase had limited thermal stability (220 °C) and strong general retention for analytes. Kováts index calculations showed selective retention (amounting to about 300 Kováts units) relative to n-alkanes for many small Lewis-base analytes on a column that contained 0.75% Cu-BTC compared with an SE-30 control. Short columns that contained lower loadings of Cu-BTC (0.10%) allowed elution of nitroaromatics; however, selectivity was not observed for aromatic compounds (including nitroaromatics) or nitroalkanes. Observed retention characteristics are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA. scott.harvey@pnl.gov
authors.forename: Scott D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Harvey
authors.forename: Alison D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Eckberg
authors.forename: Praveen K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Thallapally
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry*; D058115:Lewis Bases / Q000032:analysis*; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D013499:Surface Properties; D014233:Tricarboxylic Acids / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D058115:Lewis Bases; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D014233:Tricarboxylic Acids; D003300:Copper; C069849:trimesic acid