CuBTC Metal–Organic Framework Decorated with FeBTC Nanoparticles with Enhance Water Stability for Environmental Remediation Applications

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on Cu-benzene tricarboxylate (CuBTC) are widely used for gas storage and removal applications. However, they readily lose their crystal structures under humid conditions, limiting their practical applications. This structural decomposition reduces the specific surface area, gas adsorption capability, and recyclability of CuBTC considerably. In this study, a stable MOF against water exposure was designed based on FeBTC nanoparticle-covered CuBTC (FeCuBTC). A simple one-pot solvothermal process that enables the epitaxial growth of FeBTC on the CuBTC surface was proposed. Structural and morphological analyses after water exposure revealed that the water stability of FeCuBTC was better than that of CuBTC, which completely lost its crystallinity. This observed improvement in the water stability of the synthesized MOF proved to be beneficial for the adsorption of formaldehyde under humid conditions. The proposed strategy herein is simple yet highly effective in the design of hetero-bimetallic MOFs with considerably improved water resistance and extended applicability for environmental remediation processes.