The synthesis of phosphine-functionalized metal–organic frameworks frequently leads to the formation of different phosphorus environment inside the framework. We used P K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy to quantify phosphine and phosphine oxide groups inside two frameworks with MIL-101 topology.
In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy, coupled with DFT calculations, uncovers the details of the novel mechanism for CO2 adsorption in diamine-appended metal–organic frameworks.