Autocatalysis and Oriented Attachment Direct the Synthesis of a Metal-Organic Framework.

ABSTRACT: Synthesis of porous, covalent crystals such as zeolites and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) cannot be described adequately using existing crystallization theories. Even with the development of state-of-the-art experimental and computational tools, the identification of primary mechanisms of nucleation and growth of MOFs remains elusive. Here, using time-resolved in-situ X-ray scattering coupled with a six-parameter microkinetic model consisting of ∼1 billion reactions and up to ∼100 000 metal nodes, we identify autocatalysis and oriented attachment as previously unrecognized mechanisms of nucleation and growth of the MOF UiO-66. The secondary building unit (SBU) formation follows an autocatalytic initiation reaction driven by a self-templating mechanism. The induction time of MOF nucleatio

SUBMITTER: Dighe AV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8889615 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature