Scalable Ambient Synthesis of Metal–Organic\nFrameworks and Their Derivative Nanoporous Carbon for Superior Potassium\nIon Storage

Large-scale\nproduction of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)\nunder standard atmospheric conditions is of significant interest due\nto their cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. However, such approaches\noften require excessive organic ligands or harmful additives to overcome\nthe substantial energy barrier for nucleation. In this study, we present\na scalable synthesis of zinc MOFs ([Zn<sub>2</sub>(BDC)<sub>2</sub>DABCO]<sub><i>n</i></sub> (ZnBD)) with a high space-time\nyield exceeding 2400 kg m<sup>–3</sup> day<sup>–1</sup> under ambient conditions, employing only stoichiometric amounts\nof reactants and no additional additives. Zinc acetate forms soluble\ndimers that mimic the structure of the secondary building units (SBUs)\nof ZnBD. This structural similarity facilitates ligand exchange between\nacetate and organic ligands, thereby lowering the energy barrier for\nnucleation. The <i>in situ</i>-generated acetate anions\nfurther enhance ZnBD production by promoting the deprotonation of\nthe organic ligands. Additionally, these acetate anions serve as coordination\nmodulators, enabling the production of one-dimensional nanorod crystals\nwith controlled sizes and aspect ratios. As a proof of concept, ZnBD\nis transformed into N/O-co-doped nanoporous carbon through pyrolysis\nin an Ar atmosphere, demonstrating its potential as an anode material\nfor potassium-ion batteries. The results of this study advance the\nfacile large-scale production of ZnBD and expand the application potential\nof ZnBD-derived materials.