Modulated synthesis of zirconium metal-organic framework UiO-66 with enhanced dichloromethane adsorption capacity

UiO-66 compounds with various morphologies and enhanced porous structures were prepared by controlling the acetic acid modulator amounts in a two step synthesis process. Influences of the modulation on morphologies and structures are demonstrated with the aid of SEM, PXRD, N-2 sorption and TGA characterizations. Vapor adsorption experiments show the dichloromethane adsorption capabilities were greatly enhanced by the modulating process and a maximum dichloromethane uptake of 510.3 mg/g was obtained. These effects can be attributed to the "missing-linker defect" introduced by acetic acid. Besides, the materials remained their crystalline structures after dichloromethane sorption, indicating their potential use in air purification as an attractive adsorbent. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.