Metal organic framework growth onto 3D-printed ceramic supports

Abstract

In this work metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are grown on 3D-printed ceramic supports to prepare ecient catalysts. The MOFs NH 2 -UiO-66 and ZIF-8 were selected for study due to their known chemical and mechanical stability whilst 3D-printed structures of– -alumina with millimetre-scale features were used as supports. Monodisperse NH 2 -UiO-66 crystals of 500 nm were successfully grown on the supports. ZIF-8 crystals were also successfully prepared on the supports, with a high degree of coverage and a crystals size of approximately 2 μm. All structures are characterised via state-of-the-art methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder x-ray diraction (P-XRD) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The catalytic property of NH2 -UiO-66 was further investigated via the well-known degradation reaction of dimethyl-4-nitrophenylphosphate (DMNP), an organo phosphate, pesticide, and nerve agent simulant. There action progress is measured via nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31 P-NMR) and absorption spectroscopy (UV/vis) respectively. For UV/vis data a calibration was performed yielding concentrations and subsequently conversions of the catalytic reaction.The degradation of DMNP is successfully accelerated by the MOF on ceramic catalystreaching a conversion of ca. 40% after 2.5 hours for an approximated catalytic amount of MOF of less than 0.284 mg. Plain – -alumina in comparison only reaches a conversion of7% in the same time. Using advanced 3D-printing technology provided by Lithoz Gm BHallows for a tremendous saving in mass as complex grid-like supports of reduced mass and increased surface area can be printed. This work provides insights on MOF growth onto complex ceramic supports and presents NH 2 -UiO-66/ – -alumina as a catalyst in justone of many fields of application that can be explored by this material class.