High-yield synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks from stoichiometric metal and ligand precursor aqueous solutions at room temperature

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 were prepared from stoichiometric metal and ligand aqueous solutions at room temperature within 10 min. Triblock copolymer and ammonium hydroxide are both essential for the formation of ZIFs. Ammonium hydroxide in the aqueous solution deprotonates 2-methylimidazole, and the PEO groups of the triblock copolymer surfactant electrostatically attract metal ions, leading to the formation of ZIF-8 and ZIF-67. The ZIF-8 yield is more than 98%, which is the highest so far. This method is very promising for efficient and environmentally friendly synthesis of ZIFs for practical applications.