Metal–Organic Framework with Aromatic Rings Tentacles: High Sulfur Storage in Li–S Batteries and Efficient Benzene Homologues Distinction

We designed and fabricated a fluorophore-containing tetradentate carboxylate ligand-based metal–organic framework (MOF) material with open and semiopen channels, which acted as the host for sulfur trapped in Li–S batteries and sensor of benzene homologues. These channels efficiently provide a π–π* conjugated matrix for the charge transfer and guest molecule trapping. The open channel ensured a much higher loading quantitative of sulfur (S content-active material, 72 wt %; electrode, 50.4 wt %) than most of the MOF/sulfur composites, while the semiopen channel possessing aromatic rings tentacles guaranteed an outstanding specific discharge capacity (1092 mA h g–1 at 0.1 C) accompanied by good cycling stability. To our surprise, benefiting from special π–π* conjugated conditions, compound 1 could be a chemical sensor for benzene homologues, especially for 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (1,2,4-TMB). This is the first example of MOFs materials serving as a sensor of 1,2,4-TMB among benzene homologues. Our works may be worthy of use for references in other porous materials systems to manufacture more long-acting Li–S batteries and sensitive chemical sensors.