Single-step synthesis and interface tuning of core–shell metal–organic framework nanoparticles

DOI: 10.1039/D0SC03940C

Authors: Kieran W. P. Orr (University of Oxford; University of Cambridge) , Sean M. Collins (University of Cambridge; University of Leeds) , Emily M. Reynolds (University of Oxford; ISIS Neutron and Muon Facility) , Frank Nightingale (University of Oxford) , Hanna L. B. Bostroem (Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research) , Simon J. Cassidy (University of Oxford) , Daniel M. Dawson (University of St Andrews) , Sharon E. Ashbrook (University of St Andrews) , Oxana Magdysyuk (Diamond Light Source) , Paul A. Midgley (University of Cambridge) , Andrew L. Goodwin (University of Oxford) , Hamish H.-m. Yeung (University of Oxford; University of Birmingham)
Co-authored by industrial partner: No

Type: Journal Paper
Journal: Chemical Science , VOL 13

State: Published (Approved)
Published: February 2021
Diamond Proposal Number(s): 20946 , 18786

Abstract: Control over the spatial distribution of components in metal–organic frameworks has potential to unlock improved performance and new behaviour in separations, sensing and catalysis. We report an unprecedented single-step synthesis of multi-component metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles based on the canonical ZIF-8 (Zn) system and its Cd analogue, which form with a core–shell structure whose internal interface can be systematically tuned. We use scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy and a new composition gradient model to fit high-resolution X-ray diffraction data to show how core–shell composition and interface characteristics are intricately controlled by synthesis temperature and reaction composition. Particle formation is investigated by in situ X-ray diffraction, which reveals that the spatial distribution of components evolves with time and is determined by the interplay of phase stability, crystallisation kinetics and diffusion. This work opens up new possibilities for the control and characterisation of functionality, component distribution and interfaces in MOF-based materials.

Subject Areas: Materials, Chemistry


Instruments: I11-High Resolution Powder Diffraction , I12-JEEP: Joint Engineering, Environmental and Processing

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