Study of the mechanochemical formation and resulting properties of an archetypal MOF: Cu3(BTC)2 (BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate)

A study of MOF formation by grinding together solid reactants in a ball mill reveals interesting aspects of morphology and reactivity; the product could also be activated to exhibit appreciable surface area (>1300 m2 g−1) although washing with solvent was required.