A mechano-responsive supramolecular metal–organic framework (supraMOF) gel material rich in ZIF-8 nanoplates

Abstract

We report an unconventional ZIF-8 based supramolecular MOF (supraMOF) material, which is straightforwardly synthesised by leveraging the high concentration reaction (HCR) approach. Akin to traditional low-molecular-weight gels (LMWG), we show that mechano-stimulus responsive behaviour can be achieved through a reversible and fast sol–gel conversion mechanism. Remarkably, the supraMOF gel consists of 2D nanoplates of ZIF-8 with a reduced crystal symmetry.