In-situ IR monitoring to probe the formation of structural defects in Zr-fumarate metal–organic framework (MOF)

Abstract

In this work, in-situ IR monitoring technique was employed to monitor the crystallization process of Zr-fumarate (Zr-fum) MOF in both H2O– and DMF-based systems. Wherein, the acid modulator (HCOOH) was only observed to be consumed in the DMF-based synthesis. Further solid-state NMR ex-situ results suggested the participations of HCOOH in the Zr-fum MOF structure formation, resulting in the possibility of formation of structural defects. This observation will further help to understand the formation of MOF structural defects from different solvent systems.