Structural evolution of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8.
We report the structural evolution of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) as a function of time at room temperature. We have identified the different stages of ZIF-8 formation (nucleation, crystallization, growth, and stationary periods) and elucidated its kinetics of transformation. We hypothesize that the observed semicrystalline-to-crystalline transformation may take place via solution- and solid-mediated mechanisms, as suggested by the observed phase transformation evolution and Avrami's kinetics, respectively. A fundamental understanding of ZIF-8 structural evolution as demonstrated in this study should facilitate the preparation of functional metal-organic framework phases with controlled crystal size and extent of crystallinity.
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40292, USA.
Surendar R
SR
Venna
Jacek B
JB
Jasinski
Moises A
MA
Carreon