Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs)1, a family of azolate-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), have been identified as excellent materials for use in catalysis, molecular separation, and gas storage.2 Their reported high thermal stability, porosity and moisture resistance, has made ZIFs ideal candidates for applications involving harsh chemical and thermal environments.3 The commercially available ZIF-8 has been particularly investigated for use in sequestration and capture of CO2 from industrial flue gas. However, whereas the resistance of ZIF-8 to either moisture or CO2 alone is well established, we now report that these two parameters combined lead to rapid and complete degradation of ZIF-8 into a complex metal imidazolate carbonate material. Similar patterns of chemical sensitivity to CO2 have been observed to other ZIFs based on zinc, cobalt(II) and cadmium. These results, obtained by the application of a modified �accelerated aging� technique previously developed for low-energy, solvent-free synthesis of MOFs,4 highlight the need for systematic studies of ZIF behavior in humidity and complex atmospheric conditions. Further analysis of the factors controlling this unexpected sensitivity to humid CO2 is central for the strategic design of novel MOFs for use in industrial applications.[1] Park, K. S., et al. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 2006, 103 , 10186.[2] Jiang, H.-L.; Xu, Q. Chem. Commun. 2011, 47 , 3351.[3] Han, S. et al. ACS Com. Sci., 2012, 14 , 263.[4] Mottillo, C., et al.. Green Chem. 2013, 15  , 2121.

Sensitivity of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks to carbon dioxide and moisture under very mild conditions

248th National Meeting (2014)

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