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Gradient mesoporosity in hierarchical ZIF-8 by temperature-modulated soft-templating
Keisuke Shirasaki1, Yingji Zhao1, Norman C-R Chen1,2,3
1Department of Materials Process Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University Nagoya Japan zhao.yingji.n2@f.mail.nagoya-u.ac.jp.
Chemical Science
|November 3, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel temperature-controlled method to engineer hierarchical porosity in zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) materials. This approach precisely tunes mesopore size, enhancing diffusion and accessibility for catalysis and adsorption applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Hierarchical porosity in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is crucial for optimizing mass transport in applications like catalysis and adsorption.
- Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is a prominent MOF, but controlling its pore structure remains a challenge.
- Existing methods for pore engineering often require complex steps or additional agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile and precise method for engineering hierarchical porosity in ZIF-8.
- To investigate the effect of synthesis temperature on mesopore structure.
- To enhance the structural accessibility and diffusion properties of ZIF-8.
Main Methods:
- A temperature-controlled soft-templating approach using a single amphiphilic block copolymer.
- Systematic variation of synthesis temperature to direct mesopore formation.
- Characterization of the resulting porous architecture and diffusion properties.
Main Results:
- A novel gradient mesoporous architecture in ZIF-8 was achieved by controlling synthesis temperature.
- Mesopore diameter progressively increased from the particle core to the shell.
- The trimodal porous ZIF-8 exhibited significantly improved structural accessibility and diffusion characteristics.
- Continuous control over mesostructure was achieved without additional swelling agents or template exchange.
Conclusions:
- The developed soft-templating method offers precise control over mesopore size and distribution in ZIF-8.
- This strategy creates a versatile platform with enhanced diffusion properties for advanced applications.
- The findings pave the way for designing tailored MOFs for catalysis, separation, and adsorption.
