Synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Films and Membranes with Controlled Microstructures

• DOI: 10.1021/la102409e
• Publication Date: 2010-08-23T12:32:11Z
• Authors: Michael C. McCarthy; Victor Varela-Gue...; Gregory V. Barnett; Hae-Kwon Jeong
• Keywords: Zeolitic imidazolate framework; Imidazolate; Surface Modification

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are hybrid organic-inorganic microporous materials that exhibit zeolite-like structures and can be synthesized with a wide range of pore sizes chemical functionality. ZIFs as thin films membranes interest for their applications in sensors gas separation. Here, we report method ZIF film membrane fabrication, based on support surface modification situ solvothermal growth, which has potential general application to other membranes. Our simple results strong covalent bonds between α-Al(2)O(3) supports ligands, promote the heterogeneous nucleation growth crystals. The microstructure ZIF-8 controlled by controlling pH solution. ZIF-7 were fabricated demonstrate applicability our method. Finally, separation performance several was evaluated, revealing molecular sieving behavior an ideal selectivity H(2)/CH(4) 13.