A novel robust phosphate-functionalized metal–organic framework for deep desulfurization at wide temperature.

[Display omitted] A novel robust phosphate-functionalized metal-organic framework material ZU-801 with one-dimensional pore channels embellished by phosphate anions and methyl functional groups for the efficient capture of low concentrations of SO 2. • A novel robust phosphate-functionalized MOF is designed for SO 2 capture. • The tailored pore sizes and chemical environment for the capture of low concentrations of SO 2. • Ultrahigh selectivity of SO 2 /CO 2 (1 4 5) and SO 2 /N 2 (>1 × 104). • Excellent practical SO 2 capture ability even at 383 K or in humid environments. The need to decrease environmental pollution, reduce energy consumption and produce high-purity chemicals has become an increasingly important driving force for sulfur dioxide (SO 2) capture. The efficient capture of low concentrations of SO 2 , a highly corrosive acid gas that is not typically present in high concentrations in industrial settings, is a major challenge. Herein, a novel phosphate-functionalized metal–organic framework, ZU-801, is designed with precisely controlled pore sizes and chemical environment to achieve excellent adsorption capacity for SO 2 (1.44 mmol g−1 at 0.002 bar, 2.00 mmol g−1 at 0.01 bar) and high IAST selectivities for SO 2 /CO 2 (1 4 5), which provides great potential for selective capture of SO 2. ZU-801 shows excellent stability to air, water, SO 2 , strong acid and strong base solutions, and it is thermally stable up to 733 K. Additionally, ZU-801 exhibits outstanding separation ability in removing SO 2 from SO 2 /CO 2 mixtures at temperature as high as 383 K or in humid environments. This work demonstrates the potential of designing ion-functionalized ultramicroporous materials with tailored pore sizes and porous chemical environments for efficient capture and separation of SO 2 and sheds light on designing stable high-performance materials that operate at high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]