Computational prediction of hetero-interpenetration in metal-organic frameworks.

We present a computational algorithm that can screen through a database of metal-organic framework structures and identify materials that lead to hetero-interpenetration with targeted porous materials. Two MOFs (IRMOF-1 and IRMOF-8) were selected as target materials and our algorithm identified PCN-68 and PCN-610 as matching candidates for interpenetration. Molecular simulation results indicate that the interpenetrated MOFs possess enhanced methane and hydrogen adsorption properties compared to the parent materials.