Recrystallization strategy of ZnBTC nanowires and derivates for supercapacitor application

Abstract

Nanoarchitecturing of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to endow abundant exposed surface and active sites, shorter diffusion pathways, and improved electrical conductivity are the main interest of the current research. In this study, we propose a recrystallization strategy to nanoarchitecture Zn-based MOF (ZnBTC) by exploiting the weakly coordinating nature of alcohols in ZnBTC. The recrystallized ZnBTC successfully gives rise to a unique nanoarchitecture with abundant nanowires of various aspect ratios. The DFT calculations on the chemical potential and hardness of alcohols explain the effect of different alcohols on the recrystallization of ZnBTC. The as-prepared nanowire ZnBTC (N-ZnBTC) is converted to its carbonaceous form which demonstrates the unique nanoarchitecture consisting of numerous nanowires to achieve a promising energy storage performance as a supercapacitor electrode.