Twelve-connected nanographene-based metalorganic frameworks

Incorporating nanographenes into crystalline frameworks has long been hindered by their poor solubility. Here, we show that nanographene molecules can be transformed into soluble, highly connected linkers that enable the synthesis of three-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with precisely controlled geometry and connectivity. The final step of the linker synthesis is highly versatile, allowing straightforward modification to generate linkers compatible with diverse reticular systems. In the long term, such systems provide the rational design of crystalline porous materials with tailored architectures capable of performing complex functions, paving the way for applications in selective gas storage and separation, sensing, catalysis, drug delivery, and beyond.