Gianfranco Ciani

Bio: Gianfranco Ciani is an academic researcher from University of Milan. The author has contributed to research in topics: Crystal structure & Monoclinic crystal system. The author has an hindex of 51, co-authored 250 publications receiving 12320 citations. Previous affiliations of Gianfranco Ciani include Samara State University & Nippon Steel.

Interpenetrating metal–organic and inorganic 3D networks: a computer-aided systematic investigation. Part I. Analysis of the Cambridge structural database

Abstract: The occurrence of interpenetration in metal–organic and inorganic networks has been investigated by a systematic analysis of the CSD and ICSD structural databases. For this purpose, a novel version of TOPOS (a program package for multipurpose crystallochemical analysis) has been employed, where the procedure of recognition of interpenetrating nets is based on the representation of a crystal structure as a finite reduced graph. In this paper we report a comprehensive list (301 Refcodes) of interpenetrating metal–organic 3D structures from CSD, that are analyzed on the basis of their topologies. Interesting trends and novel features have been observed and distinct classes of interpenetrating nets have been envisaged, depending on the relationships of the individual motifs.

Borromean links and other non-conventional links in ‘polycatenated’ coordination polymers: re-examination of some puzzling networks

Abstract: A number of coordination networks, exhibiting novel and fascinating types of entanglements of individual motifs have been reported throughout the years by many groups. The structural complexity of these species has caused, in some cases, misinterpretations regarding the correct nature of the entanglement. In this article, we analyse the structures of some polymeric networks of the ‘polycatenanes’ class, which have the peculiar feature of all the constituent motifs having lower dimensionality than that of the overall array. Unexpected topological features and new linkages, that had previously been overlooked, have been discovered. The most relevant finding concerns the first observation of examples of Borromean links in 3D and 2D arrays. These systems are comprised of layers that are not catenated but, nonetheless, inseparably entangled in an uncommon topological fashion.

Reticular synthesis and the design of new materials

Abstract: The long-standing challenge of designing and constructing new crystalline solid-state materials from molecular building blocks is just beginning to be addressed with success. A conceptual approach that requires the use of secondary building units to direct the assembly of ordered frameworks epitomizes this process: we call this approach reticular synthesis. This chemistry has yielded materials designed to have predetermined structures, compositions and properties. In particular, highly porous frameworks held together by strong metal-oxygen-carbon bonds and with exceptionally large surface area and capacity for gas storage have been prepared and their pore metrics systematically varied and functionalized.

Design and synthesis of an exceptionally stable and highly porous metal-organic framework

Abstract: Open metal–organic frameworks are widely regarded as promising materials for applications1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15 in catalysis, separation, gas storage and molecular recognition. Compared to conventionally used microporous inorganic materials such as zeolites, these organic structures have the potential for more flexible rational design, through control of the architecture and functionalization of the pores. So far, the inability of these open frameworks to support permanent porosity and to avoid collapsing in the absence of guest molecules, such as solvents, has hindered further progress in the field14,15. Here we report the synthesis of a metal–organic framework which remains crystalline, as evidenced by X-ray single-crystal analyses, and stable when fully desolvated and when heated up to 300?°C. This synthesis is achieved by borrowing ideas from metal carboxylate cluster chemistry, where an organic dicarboxylate linker is used in a reaction that gives supertetrahedron clusters when capped with monocarboxylates. The rigid and divergent character of the added linker allows the articulation of the clusters into a three-dimensional framework resulting in a structure with higher apparent surface area and pore volume than most porous crystalline zeolites. This simple and potentially universal design strategy is currently being pursued in the synthesis of new phases and composites, and for gas-storage applications.

Hybrid porous solids: past, present, future

Abstract: This critical review will be of interest to the experts in porous solids (including catalysis), but also solid state chemists and physicists. It presents the state-of-the-art on hybrid porous solids, their advantages, their new routes of synthesis, the structural concepts useful for their ‘design’, aiming at reaching very large pores. Their dynamic properties and the possibility of predicting their structure are described. The large tunability of the pore size leads to unprecedented properties and applications. They concern adsorption of species, storage and delivery and the physical properties of the dense phases. (323 references)

A chemically functionalizable nanoporous material (Cu3(TMA)2(H2O)3)n

Abstract: Although zeolites and related materials combine nanoporosity with high thermal stability, they are difficult to modify or derivatize in a systematic way. A highly porous metal coordination polymer [Cu3(TMA)2(H2O)3]n (where TMA is benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate) was formed in 80 percent yield. It has interconnected [Cu2(O2CR)4] units (where R is an aromatic ring), which create a three-dimensional system of channels with a pore size of 1 nanometer and an accessible porosity of about 40 percent in the solid. Unlike zeolites, the channel linings can be chemically functionalized; for example, the aqua ligands can be replaced by pyridines. Thermal gravimetric analysis and high-temperature single-crystal diffractometry indicate that the framework is stable up to 240 degreesC.