Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) have emerged as an excellent class of porous materials with the potential for numerous applications in energy-related gas storage, biofuel catalysis, and sensor development. Much of the work to this point has focused on the synthesis and investigation of the bulk properties of microcrystalline ZIFs. In this study, we focus on the role of surface groups in the adsorption of alcohols, specifically methanol and butanol, by nanoporous ZIF-8 thin films. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed to determine the identity of the surface-terminating groups upon alcohol adsorption. In parallel, we investigated the adsorption of alcohols of various sizes (methanol and butanol) by ZIF-8 films using temperature programmed desorption studies (TPD). Under low-temperature and low-pressure conditions, we measured the uptake of methanol and butanol by the film, and compared native uptake to that of amorphized ZIF-8 films in order to discern specific adsorption sites at inner pore sites from adsorption at outer surface groups.  We also examined the binding of water for comparison.  An investigation of the interplay of bulk and surface adsorption will help shed light on future work on the storage and use of alcohols.<br/>

Adsorption and interaction of alcohols with ZIF-8 films and the role of surface groups

249th National Meeting (2015)

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