Researchers monitor the growth kinetics of hybrid metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in situ using a novel and cost-effective method.
Ruqiang Zou and co-workers from the Beijing Key Laboratory for Theory and Technology of Advanced Battery Materials at Peking University monitored the kinetic growth using an in situ optical turbidity method which employs the use of a UV-Vis-NIR spectrometer.
In comparison to traditional ex situ methods, this new method is more accurate, saves on time, labor and cost. Moreover, ex situ methods only provide discrete and nonreal-time information, and fast reactions cannot be monitored.
Various in situ methods such as time-resolved X-ray scattering, light scattering, or atomic force microscopy are usually favored for the study of single-component MOFs, but cannot meet the requirements of in situ study of hybrid MOF systems.
This new work, published in Small, provides a method to enable the characterization of the growth kinetics of hybrid and multicomponent MOF systems.
A prototypical bimetallic MOF system was chosen as the platform for this study. ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 have structures that include either Zn for ZIF-8 and Co for ZIF-67, where both metals display similar ion size and similar topology.
Photographs of a) ZIF-67 and b) ZIF-8 formation in methanol solution over time. c) Kinetic curves of ZIF-67 and ZIF-8 formation as a function of time by in situ optical monitoring. Inset is a magnification of the ZIF-67 curve in the first 3 min. More here.
Recently, ZIF-8/67 hybrids have exhibited tremendous potential in fields like catalysis and electrochemical energy storage and conversion, with both ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 being commercially available.
The synthesis of these hybrid structures, to date, had remained firmly rooted in empirical evidence. However, an understanding of the fundamental growth kinetics of such system is required. This new study provides those needed insights into the kinetically-controlled synthesis of MOF hybrid systems, by providing a methodology for the study of the growth kinetics of hybrid and multicomponent systems in a timely and cost-effective manner.
To find out more about this research check out the original published manuscript.
