Loading and thermal behaviour of ZIF-8 metal–organic framework-inorganic glass composites

Abstract

Here we describe the synthesis of a compositional series of metal–organic framework crystalline-inorganic glass composites (MOF-CIGCs) containing ZIF-8 and an inorganic phosphate glass, 20Na₂O–10NaCl–70P₂O₅, to expand the library of host matrices for metal–organic frameworks. By careful selection of the inorganic glass component, a relatively high loading of ZIF-8 (70 wt%) was achieved, which is the active component of the composite. A Zn⋯O–P interfacial bond, previously identified in similar composites/hybrid blends, was suggested by analysis of the total scattering pair distribution function data. Additionally, CO₂ and N₂ sorption and variable-temperature PXRD experiments were performed to assess the composites’ properties.