Construction of hierarchically porous metal-organic framework particle by a facile MOF-template strategy

Increasing the mass diffusion efficiency is a major challenge in the realm of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Construction of hierarchically porous, typically microporous MOF adsorbents or catalysts is crucial for enhancing both mass transfer and molecular accessibility. Many strategies have been proposed for the synthesis of hierarchically porous MOFs (HP-MOFs), with some striking results. In this paper, we proposed a facile and versatile strategy, termed the MOF-Template strategy, for fabricating hierarchical pores in MOF particle. The highly controlled crystalline sizes and morphologies of the unstable Cu-MOFs Cu3(BTC)2 and Cu(Qc)2 have been exploited in their utilization as sacrificial agents by uniformly dispersing them during the shaping process of ZIF-8. Through a facile treatment with alkaline solution, tunable mesopores and macropores could be easily introduced in the shaped ZIF-8 spheres. This strategy could effectively improve the adsorption kinetics and separation productivity of MOF materials while maintaining high mechanical stability, offering promising prospects for industrial application. (c) 2022 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Society of Particuology and Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences.