Synthesis of a Porous Metal-Organic Framework via Solvothermal Method

Metal-Organic Frameworks are a new class of crystalline microporous solids with superior properties compared to their inorganic counterparts. Their significant available surface area offers a good platform for many applications such as catalysis, gas separation and water treatments. The MOF of interest, Iron-MIL-88a, is best known for its biocompatibility and is very promising for biomedical applications. The control over its particle size and morphology is crucial, especially in health related applications. In this paper, the conventional solvothermal synthesis method of Fe-MIL-88a is modified, by introducing a kind of monoligand material, which interferes with the crystallization process. The subsequent change in morphology, size and size distribution of the product is studied. For this purpose, acetic acid was chosen as the monoligand competitor. The morphology of the products was studied using SEM micrographs. The particles of the samples with low amounts of acetic acid, have a diamond-like morphology with perfect faceted surfaces. Increased amounts of monocarboxylate acid clearly narrowed the particle size distribution. The structure and crystallinity of the produced Fe-MIL-88a were approved by XRD analysis.

Keywords:

Metal-Organic Framework , Solvothermal Method , Modulator