Rapid Guest Exchange and Ultraâ Low Surface Tension Solvents Optimize Metalâ Organic Framework Activation

Abstract

Exploratory research into the critical steps in metalâ organic framework (MOF) activation involving solvent exchange and solvent evacuation are reported. It is discovered that solvent exchange kinetics are extremely fast, and minutes rather days are appropriate for solvent exchange in many MOFs. It is also demonstrated that choice of a very low surface tension solvent is critical in successfully activating challenging MOFs. MOFs that have failed to be activated previously can achieve predicted surface areas provided that lower surface tension solvents, such as nâ hexane and perfluoropentane, are applied. The insights herein aid in the efficient activation of MOFs in both laboratory and industrial settings and provide best practices for avoiding structural collapse.An exchange for the better: Activation involving solvent exchange and evacuation is crucial to achieve maximum surface area and gasâ storage properties in metalâ organic frameworks (MOFs). Porosity is preserved when fast solvent exchange kinetics and ultraâ low surface tension solvents are exploited yielding MOFs without structural collapse.