Mini Review on Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Zeolite@MOF Composite

Abstract

Zeolite@MOF composite is a bifunctional composite formed from thermal and structural stable inorganic zeolite and high tunable surface area and structural flexible MOF. The parent material “MOF” has a higher surface area and structural elasticity than zeolite. Nevertheless, MOF is more structurally and mechanically unstable than zeolite. Thus, compositing of structural stable zeolite with tunable porous MOF has enhanced the applications of Zeolite@MOFcomposite over its parent materials. The Zeolite@MOF composite was synthesized through the hydrothermal method, the solvothermal method, the refluxing method, and the microwave-assisted method. The synthesized Zeolite@MOF composite also further modified via postsynthesis or presynthesis modification method to bring them extra functionality. Recently, researchers have synthesized Zeolite@MOF composite using hydrothermal method for zeolite crystallization and then solvothermal growth of MOF over presynthesized zeolite surface to reduce competitions between zeolite and MOF precursors through nucleation and crystal formation. The structure of Zeolite@MOF composite, such as morphology, microstructure, functional group, particle size, elemental composition, and weight loss was also analysed using SEM, TEM, FTIR, X-RD, EDX, and TAG, respectively. After exploring the characterization techniques of Zeolite@MOF composite, a performance application of Zeolite@MOF was also reviewed. Zeolite@MOF is used for the degradation of organic dyes (methyl blue and methyl orange) from wastewater; zeolite@MOF is also used as a catalyst in the synthesis of organic compounds. Zeolite@MOF composites showed higher catalytic activity, high selectivity, and high product yield than the corresponding zeolite and MOF parent materials. Hence, the compositing of zeolite and MOF is promising to overcome the individual limitations of zeolite and MOF. Zeolite@MOF composite has a synergic performance advantage over its parent materials.