Negative Thermal Expansion in the Metal–Organic Framework Material Cu₃(1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylate)₂

Abstract

The action behind contraction: The metal–organic framework [Cu3(btc)2] displays negative thermal expansion (NTE) over a broad temperature range. This property arises from two coincident mechanisms, each of which are unique for NTE systems: the concerted transverse vibration of triangular organic linkers, and the local dynamic distortion of dinuclear metal centers within the framework lattice.