HCl-assisted fabrication of metal–organic framework UiO-66(Zr) for affordable gas capture

Abstract

The use of HCl as a modulator in synthesizing ubiquitous metal–organic framework UiO-66(Zr) from ZrOCl₂·8H₂O yields a CO₂ adsorption capacity comparable to that observed using the benchmark ZrCl₄ precursor. Both materials possess similar particle size, shape, and structural properties, as well as CO₂ capture capability when the material activation temperature is optimized. The findings of this work highlight the possibility of preparing UiO-66 MOF under more affordable conditions by using the ZrOCl₂·8H₂O precursor and the HCl modulator than the current benchmark without affecting its properties.