Abstract
ZIF-8 is a zeolitic imidazole-based metal-organic framework with large cavities interconnected by narrow windows. Because the small size of the windows, it allows in principle for molecular sieving of gases such as H 2 and CH 4. However, the unexpected adsorption of large molecules on ZIF-8 suggests the existence of structural flexibility. ZIF-8 flexibility is explored in this work combining different experimental techniques with molecular simulation. We show that the ZIF-8 structure is modified by gas adsorption uptake in the same way as it is at a very high pressure (i.e., 14-700 bar) due to a swing effect in the imidazolate linkers, giving access to the porosity. Tuning the flexibility, and so the opening of the small windows, has a further impact on the design of advanced molecular sieving membrane materials for gas separation, adjusting the access of fluids to the porous network.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 8900-8902 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Journal of the American Chemical Society |
Volume | 133 |
Issue number | 23 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 15 Jun 2011 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Chemistry
- Catalysis
- Biochemistry
- Colloid and Surface Chemistry