Electric Fields Have Potential to Accelerate MOF Synthesis

I n a recent issue of ACS Central Science, Yan Zhou, Bing Xia, and co-workers report the use of a capacitively coupled alternating electric field (CCAEF) to accelerate the synthesis of UiO-66, a zirconium-containing metal-organic framework (MOF), and successfully extend this approach to several other MOFs containing zirconium, iron, and zinc. 1 While many MOF materials demonstrate promising performance in a range of applications, including catalysis, drug delivery, gas separation, and storage, limited routes for cost-effective commercial synthesis have so far impeded the production and deployment of MOF technologies at industrial scales.Accordingly, technological advances that offer more energy-efficient and sustainable synthetic routes, by reducing reaction times and/or synthesis temperatures, could open economically viable routes for industrial-scale syntheses and applications.External electric fields have been used previously to promote select chemical reactions 2,3 and have also been used to aid crystal growth and orientation of MOF particles, 4,5 but this report appears to be the first time they have been successfully employed in the synthesis of a MOF. 1 Previously reported syntheses of UiO-66 typically require reaction times of 24 h at 120 °C, 6 whereas in this study, the reaction time and temperature are reduced significantly to 25 min and 80 °C, respectively. 1he authors report a series of experiments that systematically vary parameters to understand the impact of temperature, voltage, and current, including both alternating (AC) and direct current (DC), on the reaction time and the product generated.Ultimately, the authors report that AC is superior to DC, and present optimized parameters for the