In Situ Growth of Self-Assembled ZIF-8–Aminoclay Nanocomposites with Enhanced Surface Area and CO₂ Uptake

Abstract

Self-assembly of metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles (NPs) with a functional material can result in MOF nanocomposites having new and advanced properties along with the fabrication of new nanoscopic structures. However, such assembly of MOFs has not been realized to date. Here we report self-assembled nanocomposites of the zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) and layered aminoclay (AC) for the first time, and the ZIF-8@AC composites exhibit significantly enhanced adsorption properties in comparison to those of pristine ZIF-8 nanoparticles. Four different composites denoted as ZIF-8@AC-1, ZIF-8@AC-2, ZIF-8@AC-3, and ZIF-8@AC-4 were synthesized by varying the clay content, and their AC contents were found to be 12.1, 18.3, 22.2, and 27.2 wt %, respectively. The composites were thoroughly characterized by PXRD, FTIR, Raman, and various microscopic techniques (FESEM, TEM, and STEM). The formation of the composites is driven by the specific interaction between unsaturated Zn(II) sites of ZIF-8 nanoparticles and NH groups of the aminoclay, which was validated from ζ potential and Raman spectroscopic measurements. The adsorption studies of the desolvated composites were also carried out in detail. The best performance is achieved with one of the composites, which exhibits a 42% increase in BET surface area while CO uptake at 298 K is doubled in comparison to the ZIF-8 nanoparticles.

From Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐8 to Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs): Representative Substance for the General Study of Pioneering MOF Applications

“…Traditionally, the assembly of ZIF‐8 nanoparticles to the formation of bulk structures to promote gas uptake is an alternative way to modify the performances of MOFs. Further study has conducted the in situ attachment of MOFs on functionalized materials . Novel properties may be offered by the fabrication of MOF nanoparticles.…”

“…(a) The structure of zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 ( ZIF ‐8) nanoparticles (b) The structure of amino‐clay (c) The assembly of ZIF ‐8 with amino‐clay into nanocomposites . Copyright 2017, American Chemical Society.…”

Preferential Adsorption of CO2 in an Ultramicroporous MOF with Cavities Lined by Basic Groups and Open-Metal Sites

“…Pre and postcombustion CO 2 capture are two efficient technologies for such large-scale captures . They are carried out using pressure and temperature swing adsorption (P/TSA) methods, which prove to be extremely energy efficient. , Typically, such capture processes employ solid sorbents which physisorb CO 2 . However, implementation of these large-scale CO 2 capture technology requires substantial cost reduction.…”

Mesoporous Metal–Organic Frameworks: Synthetic Strategies and Emerging Applications

“…Typically, the assembly of MOF NPs into bulk formation to promote gas uptake is another way to boost mesoporous MOFs's performances. Further study on in situ grown MOFs attached to functionalized materials was carried out . The fabrication of MOF nanoparticles may offer novel properties.…”

“…a) Atomic structure of ZIF‐8 NPs, b) structure of aminoclay, and c) the assembly process of ZIF‐8 with aminoclay to form the nanocomposites. Reproduced with permission . Copyright 2017, American Chemical Society.…”