Optimization of polymer incorporation in MOF via solvent exchange activation

In this work, we activate metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) by applying the general vacuum heating (VH) method or the solvent exchange (SE) method, and encapsulate PSt into the MOF channels by the in-situ polymerization. For the SE method, methanol is optimal to exchange the DMF molecules inside MOF. The effectiveness of these two activation methods is compared. The results show that the MOF activated via the SE method has a higher specific surface area and a larger pore volume than the MOF activated via the general VH method. Also, the SE method is more efficient for the removal of DMF from the MOF channels, and leaves more open metal sites. Specifically, the amounts of loaded monomers inside the MOF activated via the SE method and the general VH method are 4.58 and 2.67 mmol/cm 3 . Furthermore, the MOF activated via the SE method has better retention of the channel structure and more free volume in the channels. This can increase the mobility of the monomers. As a consequence, the conversion rate of 47.57% from St to PSt is achieved in the MOF activated via the SE method, which is 50.21% higher than that obtained via the general VH method.