A multifunctional Zr-MOF for rapid removal of Cr2O72-, efficient gas adsorption/separation, and catalytic performance
Abstract
To achieve selective adsorption of ions and light hydrocarbons by changing the pore structure, Zr-based metal-organic framework [Zr6(μ3-O)4(μ3-OH)4(OH)4(H2O)4(TB)2].2DMF.2H2O (UPC-50) was synthesized based on 3,3',5,5'-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)bimesityl (H4TB) with steric hindrance effect under hydrothermal conditions. UPC-50 features a three-dimensional frame with two-dimensional channels and high hydrothermal and chemical stability. The Zr-OH bond in Zr6 cluster enables UPC-50 excellent removal capacity of trace Cr2O72- in water (0.089 ppm) and adsorption rate (<1 min). Moreover, through the single-component gas sorption and selectivity calculated by the IAST method, the channel of 10.6 × 16.4 Å gives UPC-50 a high adsorption capacity for C3H6 (252.67 cm3 g-1), and also shows effective separation of C3H6/C2Hn/CH4. The unsaturated sites on the Zr6 cluster also impart excellent catalytic performance to UPC-50 in the catalytic cycloaddition reactions of CO2 with epoxides. Therefore, UPC-50 is a multi-functional material with rapid removal of Cr2O72-, efficient gas adsorption/separation, and catalytic performance.