Salts Induced Formation of Hierarchical Porous ZIF‐8 and Their Applications for CO2 Sorption and Hydrogen Generation via NaBH4 Hydrolysis

Abstract

AbstractDespite the great potential of two different pore regimes (hierarchical porous (HP) structure), HP‐zeolitic imidazolate frameworks‐8 (HPZIF‐8) can be efficient catalysts for hydrogen generation via hydride hydrolysis, and as adsorbents for CO2 gas adsorption. Herein, HPZIF‐8, and leaf‐like ZIF (ZIF‐L) are synthesized via a simple and environmentally friendly procedure using layered hydroxide nitrate of zinc (Z5HN) as a metal source and simple inorganic salt as a modulator. Z5HN nanosheets undergo topotactic transformation to simonkolleite (Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O) that can be converted to the pure phase of HPZIF‐8. The concentration of the salts tunes the textural properties of the final product. Applications of HPZIF‐8 and ZIF‐L for CO2 sorption exhibit excellent adsorption properties with increases of 25% due to the presence of cations in the frameworks. ZIF‐8 shows exceptional high catalytic activity for hydrogen generation via the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride. The simple synthesis of ZIF‐8 as well as their good performance as adsorbent and catalyst ensure the potential for industrial and commercial uses.