# In Situ Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier‐Transform Spectroscopy Investigation of 1‐Methylcyclopropene Adsorption in Cobalt–Formate Metal–Organic Framework

## TL;DR

Researchers used a special spectroscopy technique to study how a chemical called 1-MCP interacts with a metal-organic framework material, finding it can be stored and released on demand, which could help preserve food like bananas.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the use of Co-FA MOF for controlled adsorption and release of 1-MCP at room temperature, validated for food preservation.

## Key findings

- 1-MCP is strongly confined in Co-FA at room temperature.
- Moderate heating enables controlled release of 1-MCP from Co-FA.
- Co-FA outperforms alternative MOFs in preserving banana freshness.

## Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) find numerous applications due to their tunable adsorption/desorption properties. This work is focused on the spectroscopic investigation of the adsorption and release of ethylene (C2H4) and 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP)—natural plant growth hormone and its synthetic inhibitor—in the pores of Co3(HCOO)6 (Co‐FA) MOF. Using in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier‐transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), we have identified the molecular‐level interactions between the adsorbed molecules and Co‐FA pores, as evidenced by the characteristic shifts of the vibrational modes. The significant confinement of 1‐MCP in Co‐FA at room temperature was demonstrated, while moderate heating enabled its temperature‐controlled release. In comparison, weaker but visible ethylene adsorption of C2H4 was also demonstrated, with significant desorption readily occurring at room temperature. Validation tests on bananas confirmed the superior performance of Co‐FA over alternative MOFs, providing a link between molecular‐level structure and practical applications.

In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier‐transform spectroscopy spectroscopy was used to investigate 1‐MCP adsorption in the pores of Co3(HCOO)6 (Co‐FA) metal–organic framework (MOF). A strong confinement of 1‐MCP at room temperature and a significant release by moderate heating, proves Co‐FA as a promising material for food preservation technologies, which was validated by using this MOF to prolong the freshness of banana fruits.© 2026 WILEY‐VCH GmbH