Fe3O4@ZIF-8: magnetically recoverable catalysts by loading Fe3O4 nanoparticles inside a zinc imidazolate framework

Abstract

A simple methodology for encapsulating ca. 10 nm-sized superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8) crystals was developed. The corresponding Fe₃O₄@ZIF-8 heterostructured material exhibits bifunctional properties with both high magnetization (Fe₃O₄) and high thermal stability, large specific surface, and catalytic properties (ZIF-8). The Fe₃O₄@ZIF-8 catalyst exhibits fair separation ability and reusability, which can be repeatedly applied for Knoevenagel condensations and Huisgen cycloadditions for at least ten successive cycles.