The production, properties and applications of the zinc imidazolate, ZIF-8.

Abstract

Venna, Carreon, and Jasinski produced and characterized the first samples of the zinc imidazolate framework ZIF-8 at the University of Louisville in 2010. In this dissertation the production, properties, and applications of this unique metal-organic framework are explored.Previously, only minute laboratory amounts (1/4 gram), of ZIF-8 were produced via time-consuming and expensive processes. Production quantities have been synthesized via both a continuous and a batch process using a spray drying operation to effect separation of the solid product (ZIF-8) from the mother liquor. Approximately 85% of the mother liquor (methanol), can be recovered from the spray dryer resulting in magnitudeof-order savings in time and money.Before any engineering applications could be suggested it was necessary to quantify important physical properties of ZIF-8 not currently available. The density, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and BET surface area were measured via strict ASTM procedures and reported. It was hoped that the massive surface area of ZIF-8 (~ 1300 m 2 /g), would effect enhanced heat transfer in engineering applications.vi