Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 for efficient adsorption and removal of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution

Twelve zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs; termed ZIF-1 to -12) have been synthesized as crystals by copolymerization of either Zn(II) (ZIF-1 to -4, -6 to -8, and -10 to -11) or Co(II) (ZIF-9 and -12) with imidazolate-type links. The ZIF crystal structures are based on the nets of seven distinct aluminosilicate zeolites: tetrahedral Si(Al) and the bridging O are replaced with transition metal ion and imidazolate link, respectively. In addition, one example of mixed-coordination imidazolate of Zn(II) and In(III) (ZIF-5) based on the garnet net is reported. Study of the gas adsorption and thermal and chemical stability of two prototypical members, ZIF-8 and -11, demonstrated their permanent porosity (Langmuir surface area = 1,810 m(2)/g), high thermal stability (up to 550 degrees C), and remarkable chemical resistance to boiling alkaline water and organic solvents.

This review article presents the fundamental and practical aspects of water adsorption in Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). The state of the art of MOF stability in water, a crucial issue to many applications in which MOFs are promising candidates, is discussed here. Stability in both gaseous (such as humid gases) and aqueous media is considered. By considering a non-exhaustive yet representative set of MOFs, the different mechanisms of water adsorption in this class of materials are presented: reversible and continuous pore filling, irreversible and discontinuous pore filling through capillary condensation, and irreversibility arising from the flexibility and possible structural modifications of the host material. Water adsorption properties of more than 60 MOF samples are reported. The applications of MOFs as materials for heat-pumps and adsorbent-based chillers and proton conductors are also reviewed. Some directions for future work are suggested as concluding remarks.