Radiation-Induced De Novo Defects in Metal–Organic Frameworks Boost CO<sub>2</sub> Sorption
Junchang Chen, Mingxing Zhang, Jie Shu, Shengtang Liu, Xiao Dong, Chunyang Li, Linwei He, Mengjia Yuan, Yutian Wu, Jiahui Xu, Duo Zhang, Fuyin Ma, Guozhong Wu, Zhifang Chai, Shuao Wang
Abstract
Defects in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) can significantly change their local microstructures, thus notably leading to an alteration-induced performance in sorption or catalysis. However, achieving de novo defect engineering in MOFs under ambient conditions without the scarification of their crystallinity remains a challenge. Herein, we successfully synthesize defective ZIF-7 through 60 Co gamma ray radiation under ambient conditions. The obtained ZIF-7 is defect-rich but also has excellent crystallinity, enhanced BET surface area, and hierarchical pore structure. Moreover, the amount and structure of these defects within ZIF-7 were determined from the two-dimensional (2D) 13 C– 1 H frequency-switched Lee–Goldburg heteronuclear correlation (FSLG-HETCOR) spectra, continuous rotation electron diffraction (cRED), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Interestingly, the defects in ZIF-7 all strongly bind to CO 2, leading to a remarkable enhancement of the CO 2 sorption capability compared with that synthesized by the solvothermal method.