Seed-Mediated Synthesis of Metal-Organic Frameworks

J Am Chem Soc. 2016 Apr 27;138(16):5316-20. doi: 10.1021/jacs.6b01414. Epub 2016 Apr 8.

Abstract

The synthesis of phase-pure metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is of prime importance but remains a significant challenge because of the flexible and diversified coordination modes between metal ions and organic linkers. In this work, we report the synthesis of phase-pure MOFs via a facile seed-mediated approach. For several "accompanying" pairs of Zr-porphyrinic MOFs that are prone to yield mixtures, by fixing all reaction parameters except introducing seed crystals, MOFs in phase-pure forms have been obtained because the stage of MOF nucleation, which generates mixed nuclei, is bypassed. In addition, phase-pure MOF isomers with distinct pore structures have also been prepared through such an approach, revealing its versatility. To the best of our knowledge, this is an initial report on seed-assisted synthesis of phase-pure MOFs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't