Novel metal–organic frameworks based on 5-bromonicotinic acid: Multifunctional materials with H2 purification capabilities

Two new metal–organic frameworks based on 5-bromonicotinic acid complexes [Cd(5-BrNic)2]n (1) and [Co(5-BrNic)2(H2O)]n (2) have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions of this ligand with cadmium and cobalt metallic(II) salts in the presence of water. Compound 1 displays intense photoluminescence properties in the solid state at room temperature, while 2 exhibits an antiferromagnetic interaction between Co(II) ions with a J value of −4.1 cm−1. Experimental studies, backed up by Monte Carlo simulations about adsorption, pore size distribution and accessible surface area reveal the capability of 2 for H2 purification applications.