Abstract: The present invention provides novel host-guest complexes, wherein the guest molecule has a diameter larger than the aperture size of the host-a metal organic framework (MOF). The novel host-guest complexes of the invention can be used for drug delivery, sensing, electrical conductivity, luminescence, and energy conversion. The invention also provides a method of making the novel host-guest complex, utilizing the linker exchange conditions in which a guest molecule having a diameter larger than the aperture size of the host is encapsulated into the MOF.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel host-guest complexes, wherein the guest molecule has a diameter larger than the aperture size of the host-a metal organic framework (MOF). The novel host-guest complexes of the invention can be used for drug delivery, sensing, electrical conductivity, luminescence, and energy conversion. The invention also provides a method of making the novel host-guest complex, utilizing the linker exchange conditions in which a guest molecule having a diameter larger than the aperture size of the host is encapsulated into the MOF.

Abstract: The invention provides a molecule carrier, comprising a metal-organic framework having an interior space and a surface of the metal-organic framework has a plurality of pores; and a molecule embedded in the interior space of the metal-organic framework. The invention also provides a method for preparing the molecule carrier by a de novo approach, comprising mixing a solution containing metal ions, an organic ligand, a molecule, and a surface coating agent to form an aqueous mixture. After incubating for a few minutes, the aqueous mixture is subjected to a drying process to obtain the molecule carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanocrystal tandem catalyst comprising at least two metal-metal oxide interfaces for the catalysis of sequential reactions. One embodiment utilizes a nanocrystal bilayer structure formed by assembling sub-10 nm platinum and cerium oxide nanocube monolayers on a silica substrate. The two distinct metal-metal oxide interfaces, CeO2—Pt and Pt—SiO2, can be used to catalyze two distinct sequential reactions. The CeO2—Pt interface catalyzed methanol decomposition to produce CO and H2, which were then subsequently used for ethylene hydroformylation catalyzed by the nearby Pt—SiO2 interface. Consequently, propanal was selectively produced on this nanocrystal bilayer tandem catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanocrystal tandem catalyst comprising at least two metal-metal oxide interfaces for the catalysis of sequential reactions. One embodiment utilizes a nanocrystal bilayer structure formed by assembling sub-10 nm platinum and cerium oxide nanocube monolayers on a silica substrate. The two distinct metal-metal oxide interfaces, CeO2—Pt and Pt—SiO2, can be used to catalyze two distinct sequential reactions. The CeO2—Pt interface catalyzed methanol decomposition to produce CO and H2, which were then subsequently used for ethylene hydroformylation catalyzed by the nearby Pt—SiO2 interface. Consequently, propanal was selectively produced on this nanocrystal bilayer tandem catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a core-shell nanoparticle that includes a metal-oxide shell and a nanoparticle. Pores extend from an outer surface to an inner surface of the shell. The inner surface of the shell forms a void, which is filled by the nanoparticle. The pores allow gas to transfer from outside the shell to a surface of the nanoparticle. The present invention also provides a method of making a core-shell nanoparticle includes forming a metal-oxide shell on a colloidal nanoparticle, which forms a precursor core-shell nanoparticle. A capping agent is removed from the precursor core-shell nanoparticle, which produces the core-shell nanoparticle. The present invention also provides a method of using a nanocatalyst of the present invention includes providing the nanocatalyst, which is the core-shell nanoparticle. Reactants are introduced in a vicinity of the nanocatalyst, which produces a reaction that is facilitated or enhanced by the nanocatalyst.