Vapor-Phase Adsorption of Xylene Isomers and Ethylbenzene in MOF-74 Thin Films

Thin films of Co-MOF-74 and Ni-MOF-74 were synthesized on Au-coated quartz crystal microbalance substrates by a vapor-assisted conversion (VAC) method that precludes the need for activation via postsynthetic solvent exchange. All thin films were structurally characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images reveal that the Ni-MOF-74 films exists as a dense base layer with hemispherical protrusions on the surface. In contrast, the scanning electron microscopy images of the Co-MOF-74 thin films show a rough surface with spherical deposits. The thin film morphologies were different than the powders resulting from the bulk synthesis. Gravimetric vapor-phase adsorption measurements for xylene isomers and ethylbenzene within Co-MOF-74 and Ni-MOF-74 thin films were conducted, and the results were compared with those reported for the corresponding bulk powders. Despite different morphologies, the saturation capacities of Ni-MOF-74 and Co-MOF-74 thin films were found to be nearly equivalent to those reported for the bulk powders. The results demonstrate that the VAC method can produce MOF-74 thin films that retain the intrinsic properties that are observed in bulk powders.