Preparation of Morphologically and Dimensionally Controlled MIL-53(Al)

Abstract

This study presents a straightforward hydrothermal synthesis technique for modifying the crystal size and shape of MIL-53(Al) via the use of a mixed solvent solution consisting of water and DMF. Without the use of coordination inhibitors or surfactants, a sequence of nanosized MIL-53(Al) crystals was efficiently synthesized. The lowest crystal size we were able to achieve in this work was 100 nm, but present technologies are not suited to creating nanoscale crystals of this size. Large crystallinity and yield were attained, and the samples’ very large specific surface areas expanded the usefulness of this MOF material for gas adsorption and storage. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, nitrogen gas adsorption/desorption, and infrared spectroscopy were all used to characterize the samples. Finally, the effect of moisture concentration on crystal size and shape was investigated.