HCl-assisted fabrication of metal–organic framework UiO-66(Zr) for affordable gas capture

Abstract

The use of HCl as a modulator in synthesizing ubiquitous metal–organic framework UiO-66(Zr) from ZrOCl2·8H2O yields a CO2 adsorption capacity comparable to that observed using the benchmark ZrCl4 precursor. Both materials possess similar particle size, shape, and structural properties, as well as CO2 capture capability when the material activation temperature is optimized. The findings of this work highlight the possibility of preparing UiO-66 MOF under more affordable conditions by using the ZrOCl2·8H2O precursor and the HCl modulator than the current benchmark without affecting its properties.