Opening the gate: Framework flexibility in ZIF-8 explored by experiments and simulations

D. Fairen-Jimenez, S. A. Moggach, M. T. Wharmby, P. A. Wright, S. Parsons, T. Düren

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

990 Citations (SciVal)

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8900-8902
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume133
Issue number23
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jun 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Biochemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

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