Solid-State Investigation, Storage, and Separation of Pyrophoric PH3 and P2H4 with α-Mg Formate

Anna Widera, Debora Thöny, Marcel Aebli, Julius Jacob Oppenheim, Justin L. Andrews, Frederik Eiler, Michael Wörle, Hartmut Schönberg, Norbert Weferling, Mircea Dincǎ, Hansjörg Grützmacher

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Phosphane, PH3—a highly pyrophoric and toxic gas—is frequently contaminated with H2 and P2H4, which makes its handling even more dangerous. The inexpensive metal–organic framework (MOF) magnesium formate, α-[Mg(O2CH)2], can adsorb up to 10 wt % of PH3. The PH3-loaded MOF, PH3@α-[Mg(O2CH)2], is a non-pyrophoric, recoverable material that even allows brief handling in air, thereby minimizing the hazards associated with the handling and transport of phosphane. α-[Mg(O2CH)2] further plays a critical role in purifying PH3 from H2 and P2H4: at 25 °C, H2 passes through the MOF channels without adsorption, whereas PH3 adsorbs readily and only slowly desorbs under a flow of inert gas (complete desorption time≈6 h). Diphosphane, P2H4, is strongly adsorbed and trapped within the MOF for at least 4 months. P2H4@α-[Mg(O2CH)2] itself is not pyrophoric and is air- and light-stable at room temperature.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere202217534
JournalAngewandte Chemie - International Edition
Volume62
Issue number13
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 20 2023
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Catalysis
  • General Chemistry

Keywords

  • Gas Purification
  • Gas Storage
  • MOF Chemistry
  • Phosphane
  • Single Crystal Analysis

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