Greener, cheaper MOF synthesis
Our ChemSci Pick of the Week demonstrates the scalable synthesis of metal-organic-frameworks (MOFs) using ultrasonic or acoustic frequencies – rather than solvent-based approaches.
The team of researchers from McGill University, Canada, showed that scale-up from milligrams to 25g was straightforward using the mechanochemical technique which does not require milling media.
They demonstrated the use of their liquid-assisted resonant acoustic mixing (LA-RAM) methodology for the synthesis of three- and two-dimensional MOFs based on Zn(II), Co(II) and Cu(II), including a mixed ligand system.
Importantly, the LA-RAM approach also allowed the synthesis of the ZIF-L framework that has never been previously obtained in a mechanochemical environment, as well as its Co(II) analogue.
Straightforward scale-up from milligrams to at least 25g was demonstrated using the metastable framework ZIF-L as the model.
This work could lead to an alternative to less laborious and environmentally toxic solvent-based processes.
This article is free to read in our open access, flagship journal Chemical Science: Hatem M Titi et al., Chem. Sci., 2020, Advance Article. DOI: 10.1039/D0SC00333F. You can access our 2019 ChemSci Picks in this article collection.
Real-time tracking of entangled pathways in the photodissocation of acetaldehyde
ChemSci Pick of the Week (INFOGRAPHIC) –Photodissocation of acetaldehyde occurs via different pathways, including the "roaming" mechanism. Can we study the different reaction pathways by tracking the time evolution of product distributions?
Splitting water with light
Our ChemSci Pick of the Week describes a metal oxide photocatalyst that can efficiently use sunlight to produce hydrogen from water, which could help tackle environmental issues and resource shortages.
Making synthesis more efficient
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