Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Research Articles

Synthesis of mixed-ligand two-dimensional zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF-L) via water-assisted strategy for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are regarded as the promising potential photocatalytic materials because of its high specific surface area, regular morphology and highly adjustable structure. Herein, introducing different addition percentage of 1-vinylimidazole to two-dimensional zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF-L) with leaf-shaped morphology was successfully prepared via water-assisted strategy and applied in the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution experiments. The results indicate that VZ-12 shows the highest photocatalytic activity with hydrogen production rate of 162.7 μmol g−1 h−1, which is 3 times than that in VZ-0 (pure ZIF-L, 56.33 μmol g−1 h−1) under simulated sunlight. The enhanced performance is ascribed to the increased specific surface area observed via BET, narrow band gap (Eg) explored through UV–vis DRS and decreased recombination of photo-generated charge carriers measured by photoluminescence (PL). In a word, the effort of our study provides a new idea for developing and fabricating efficient hydrogen production photocatalyst via water splitting.

In-situ synthesis of bimetallic Co/Zn-ZIF on the graphite-felt for electrocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants

In the electro-Fenton process, one of the important challenges is to adjust the pH of the environment in the acidic region so that the system's performance is not affected by side reactions. In this case, it will be necessary to neutralize the solution after the process. One of the solutions is to use a heterogeneous catalyst to widen the pH range. However, recovering the used catalyst itself can be another challenge. Modifying the electrode using electroactive materials can answer both of these challenges. This work modified the bare graphite-felt (GF) electrode using zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF)-derived carbon material doped with Co and Zn through a rapid, room-temperature, and water-based synthesis method. Various analyses, including XRD, SEM, XPS, and LSV, confirmed the proper modification of bare GF carbon fibers. The modified Co/Zn-N-C@GF electrode showed good performance in removing rifampicin (RFP) during the electro-Fenton process, so about 90 % of the pollutant was removed within 30 min without adding a homo-/heterogeneous catalyst. Optimum conditions for this process were 1.0 V for applied voltage, 40 mg/L for initial concentration of RFP, and 5.6 for pH. Also, LC-MS analysis was performed to confirm the degradation of RFP and investigate its degradation pathway.

Tailoring Cu-Based Electrocatalysts for Enhanced Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Alcohols: Structure-Selectivity Relationship.

The use of CO2 as a feedstock for the production of carbon-based fuels and value-added chemicals offers a promising route toward carbon neutrality. In this study, two Cu-based electrocatalysts, namely, Cu24/N-C and Cu2/N-C, are successfully prepared by thermal treatment of Cu24 metal-organic polyhedron-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanocrystals (Cu24/ZIF-8) and Cu2 dinuclear compound-loaded ZIF-8 nanocrystals (Cu2/ZIF-8), respectively. Extensive structural and compositional analyses were conducted to confirm the formation of Cu nanocluster-loaded N-doped porous carbon supports in both Cu24/N-C and Cu2/N-C and Cu nanoparticles encapsulated by graphitic carbons in Cu2/N-C as well. These two Cu-based electrocatalysts exhibited different behaviors in the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). The Cu24/N-C electrocatalyst showed high selectivity for CO production, while Cu2/N-C showed a preference for alcohol generation. The excellent stability of Cu2/N-C over a 30 h continuous electrochemical reduction further highlights its potential for practical applications. The difference in electrocatalytic performance observed in the two catalysts for CO2RR was attributed to distinct catalytic sites associated with Cu nanoclusters and nanoparticles. This research reveals the significance of their structures and compositions for the development of highly selective electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction.

Construction of core-shell heterostructures Co3S4@NiCo2S4 as cathode and covalent organic framework derived carbon as anode for hybrid supercapacitors

Structured design helps to play out the coordination advantage and optimize the performance of electrochemical reactions. In this work, hierarchical hollow microspheres (Co3S4@NiCo2S4) with unique core-shell heterostructure were successfully prepared through simple template and solvothermal methods. Thanks to the hollow structure, cross-linked nanowire arrays, and in-situ coating of zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF), Co3S4@NiCo2S4 demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance with a specific capacitance of up to 2697.7 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and cycling stability of 80.5% after 5000 cycles. The covalent organic framework (COF) derived nano carbon, which had undergone secondary calcination and ZnCl2 activation, also exhibited excellent double-layer energy storage performance. Compared to a single calcination, the incredible increase in capacitance was up to 208.5 times greater, reaching 291.9 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 while maintaining ultra-high rate performance (81.0% at 20 A g−1). The hybrid supercapacitor, assembled with Co3S4@NiCo2S4 as the cathode and COF-derived carbon as the anode, exhibited an extremely high energy density (79.7 Wh kg−1 at 693.5 W kg−1) and excellent cyclic stability (maintained 79.3% after 10,000 cycles of 20 A g−1), further explaining the reliable and practical characteristics. This work provided reference for the structural optimization of transition metal sulfides and the high-temperature activation of COF-derived carbon.

Dual-responsive drug carrier based on zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 incorporated into gold nanoparticles/chitosan/copper sulfide for controlled drug delivery

Currently, two major obstacles in effective treatment of breast cancer are development of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs by cancer cells and the off-target cytotoxicity of these drugs. The main aim of this study was to synthesize a dual responsive nanocarrier by incorporating the zeolitic-imidazolate framework-8 into the gold nanoparticles/chitosan/copper sulfide for controlled release of doxorubicin. The prepared nanocarrier was characterized using various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and zeta potentials. The optimum experimental conditions, including adsorbent dosage (0.01–0.03 g), pH of solutions (5–9), contact time (5–15 min), and temperature (25–45 °C) at three levels were studied using the central composite design based on the response surface methodology. Our results indicated highest response (99 %) with 0.03 g of nanocarrier, at pH of 5, time of 10 min, and temperature of 35 °C. The obtained data were further studied with seven isotherm models. Based on the lower error sum of square values (0.059–0.514) and higher correlation coefficient values (0.9857–0.9972), Langmuir and Sips isotherm models were observed to be the best fitted. The in-vitro drug release study indicated 37.97 % of the drug being released in the simulated environment with physiological conditions, while 71.29 % of the drug was released in the simulated cancer cells condition at higher temperature. This data confirms the pH and temperature sensitivity of the nanocarrier. Enhanced drug release from the nanocarrier indicated low cell viability in the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) under near-infrared laser irradiation. The IC50 values of nanocarrier and pure drug in MCF-7 cells were 243.95 and 4.442 μg L−1, respectively. Based on these data, we are concluding that our dual responsive nanocarrier has the potential to overcome the problems development of resistance of cancer cells and toxicity associated with current treatment of breast cancer.

Micro-optical elements from optical-quality ZIF-62 hybrid glasses by hot imprinting

Hybrid glasses derived from meltable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) promise to combine the intriguing properties of MOFs with the universal processing ability of glasses. However, the shaping of hybrid glasses in their liquid state – in analogy to conventional glass processing – has been elusive thus far. Here, we present optical-quality glasses derived from the zeolitic imidazole framework ZIF-62 in the form of cm-scale objects. These allow for in-depth studies of optical transparency and refraction across the ultraviolet to near-infrared spectral range. Fundamental viscosity data are reported using a ball penetration technique, and subsequently employed to demonstrate the fabrication of micro-optical devices by thermal imprinting. Using 3D-printed fused silica templates, we show that concave as well as convex lens structures can be obtained at high precision by remelting the glass without trading-off on material quality. This enables multifunctional micro-optical devices combining the gas uptake and permeation ability of MOFs with the optical functionality of glass. As an example, we demonstrate the reversible change of optical refraction upon the incorporation of volatile guest molecules.

Machine learning powered CN-coordinated cobalt nanoparticles embedded cellulosic nanofibers to assess meat quality via clenbuterol monitoring

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has prohibited the use of clenbuterol (CLN) because it induces anabolic muscle growth while potentially causing adverse effects such as palpitations, anxiety, and muscle tremors. Thus, it is vital to assess meat quality because, athletes might have positive test for CLN even after consuming very low quantity of CLN contaminated meat. Numerous materials applied for CLN monitoring faced potential challenges like sluggish ion transport, non-uniform ion/molecule movement, and inadequate electrode surface binding. To overcome these shortcomings, herein we engineered bimetallic zeolitic imidazole framework (BM-ZIF) derived N-doped porous carbon embedded Co nanoparticles (CN-CoNPs), dispersed on conductive cellulose acetate-polyaniline (CP) electrospun nanofibers for sensitive electrochemical monitoring of CLN. Interestingly, the smartly designed CN-CoNPs wrapped CP (CN-CoNPs-CP) electrospun nanofibers offers rapid diffusion of CLN molecules to the sensing interface through amine and imine groups of CP, thus minimizing the inhomogeneous ion transportation and inadequate electrode surface binding. Additionally, to synchronize experiments, machine learning (ML) algorithms were applied to optimize, predict, and validate voltametric current responses. The ML-trained sensor demonstrated high selectivity, even amidst interfering substances, with notable sensitivity (4.7527 μA/μM/cm2), a broad linear range (0.002–8 μM), and a low limit of detection (1.14 nM). Furthermore, the electrode exhibited robust stability, retaining 98.07% of its initial current over a 12-h period. This ML-powered sensing approach was successfully employed to evaluate meat quality in terms of CLN level. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of using ML powered system for electrochemical sensing of CLN.

Raspberry-shaped ZIF-8/Au nanozymes with excellent peroxidase-like activity for simple and visual detection of glutathione.

Artificial enzymes with high stability, adjustable catalytic activity, controllable preparation, and good reproducibility have been widely studied. Noble metal nanozymes, particularly gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), exhibit good catalytic activity, but their stability is poor. In this study, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) was used as a carrier for Au NPs, thus improving the utilization efficiency and conservation stability of the nanozymes. A ZIF-8/Au nanocomposite with peroxidase activity and a raspberry-shaped structure was synthesized. In the assay, ZIF-8/Au catalyzed the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to a blue product oxidized TMB (oxTMB). Glutathione (GSH) selectively inhibited this reaction, with a detection limit of 0.28µM and linear range of 0.5-60µM. Using the photo and chromaticity analysis functions, we developed a portable analysis method using a smartphone equipped with a camera module as a detection terminal for a wide range of rapid screening techniques for GSH. Preparation of raspberry-shaped ZIF-8/Au improved the catalytic activity of Au NPs and good results were demonstrated in serum, which suggests their promising application under physiological conditions.

High-performance pristine ZIF-67 asymmetric supercapacitor device with excellent energy and power density for energy storage application

The current work describes a simple and safe method for creating ZIF-67 (zeolitic imidazolate framework-67) nanostructures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns reveal that the material exhibits a cubic phase free from contaminating impact. The synthesized material has a notable porosity, a high specific surface area (SSA) of ∼ 1071 m2 g−1, and a clearly defined hexagonal shape with high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) analysis. Moreover, the electrochemical analysis in the three-electrode setup shows an extraordinary specific capacitance (CS) of 472 F g−1 and exceptional cyclic performance of 91.6 % retention in a 6 M NaOH aqueous electrolyte. Furthermore, activated carbon (AC) is being used as the negative electrode and ZIF-67 as the positive electrode to design a device with a wide potential window (1.50 V). The outstanding performance of the Asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device is evident in its exceptional CS (358 F g−1). This, coupled with its remarkable energy (22 Wh kg−1) and power density (4164 W kg−1), highlights its suitability for demanding energy storage applications. Notably, the device demonstrates extraordinary cyclic stability, retaining over 132 % of its initial capacitance after 5000 charge-discharge cycles, solidifying its long-term reliability. Finally, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) of various colors are being illuminated using three series-connected devices. Hence, the recent work is illustrating the possible practical benefit of the ongoing development of supercapacitive energy storage systems.

Encapsulation of ruthenium oxide nanoparticles in nitrogen-doped porous carbon polyhedral for pH-universal hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis

The development of pH-universal HER electrocatalyst with Pt-like activity remains challenged yet critical for hydrogen energy systems. Herein, we have successfully immobilized RuOx nanoparticles on the surface of C–N derived from zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (RuOx@C–N). The obtained RuOx@C–N exhibits Pt-like HER performance with overpotential of as low as 14 and 93 mV to drive the current density of −10 and −100 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH, respectively. Furthermore, RuOx@C–N exhibits an unexpected mass activity of 0.81 A cm−2 mgRuOx−1, which is even superior to benchmark Pt/C. Such an improvement is attributed to RuOx@C–N heterostructure, which will facilitate the electron transfer due to the Mott-Schottky effect. Additionally, the nitrogen-doped carbon framework will efficiently adjust the electronic structure of metallic catalytic sites and optimize the kinetics of catalytic reaction. Benefiting from the Mott-Schottky effect, the RuOx@C–N electrocatalysts exhibit pH-universal catalytic performance toward hydrogen evolution in various electrolytes, corroborating its university and facility in industrial hydrogen production. This approach offers a facile and versatile strategy for the development of Ru-based electrocatalysts with high performance and robust stability.

In-situ constructing an innovative and versatile nanotraps for incorporation of zero–valent iron nanoparticles into zeolite imidazole framework–8 towards high efficient detoxification and imprisonment of U(VI) and Se(IV) from water via a combination study of capture performance and underlying mechanism aspects

This work reported an in-situ constructing of innovative and versatile nanotraps (NZVI/ZIF–8) namely incorporation of zero–valent iron nanoparticles (NZVI) into zeolite imidazole framework–8 (ZIF–8), and the application of the as-constructed NZVI/ZIF–8 in high efficient detoxification and imprisonment of U(VI) and Se(IV) from wastewater. The results demonstrated that controllable incorporation of NZVI with ZIF–8 used advantages of each component to generate an emphatic boosted interaction in U(VI)/Se(IV) imprisoning. The kinetic adsorption for U(VI)/Se(IV) imprisoned onto NZVI/ZIF–8 was described by pseudo-second-order model well, and the adsorption isotherms followed the Langmuir model better. Thermodynamic analysis (ΔG < 0, ΔS > 0, ΔH > 0) demonstrated that U(VI)/Se(IV) imprisoned onto NZVI/ZIF–8 was endothermic and spontaneous. XPS measurements unveiled that NZVI/ZIF–8 imprisoned U(VI)/Se(IV) by synergistic mechanism of adsorption and reduction. The N–containing functional groups on ZIF–8 was primarily responsible for adsorption, while Fe(0) and surface enriched Fe(II) from NZVI predominantly contributed to reductive conversion of U(VI)/Se(IV) into U(IV)/Se(0). In a word, ZIF-8 played an important role in imprisonment of U(VI)/Se(IV) onto the as-constructed NZVI/ZIF–8 nanotraps with intensified reactivity in comparison with naked NZVI. The findings revealed that the NZVI/ZIF–8 nanotraps would be superb scavengers towards U(VI)/Se(IV), and implied a bright future in potential application in nuclear waste management.

Highly Permeable Mixed Matrix Membranes for Gas Separation via Dual Defect-Engineered Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8.

Defect engineering of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is a promising strategy for tailoring the interfacial characteristics between MOFs and polymers, aiming to create high-performance mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). This study introducesa new approach using dual defective alkylamine (AA)-modulated zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (DAZIF-8), to develop high-flux MMMs. Tributylamine (TBA) and triethylamine (TEA) monodentate ligands coordinate with zinc ions in varying compositions. A mixture of Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O:2-methylimidazole (Mim):AA in a 1:1.75:5 molar ratio facilitates high-yield coordination between Zn and multiple organic ligands, including Zn-Mim, Zn-TEA, and Zn-TBA (>80%). Remarkably, DAZIF-8 containing 3 mol% TBA and 2 mol% TEA exhibits exceptional characteristics, such as a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of 1745m2 g-1 and enhanced framework rigidity. Furthermore, dual Zn-AA coordination sites on the framework's outer surface enhance compatibility with the polyimide (PI) matrix through electron donor-acceptor interactions, enabling the fabrication of high-loading MMMs with excellent mechanical durability. Importantly, the PI/DAZIF-8 (60/40 w/w) MMM demonstrates an unprecedented 759% enhancement in ethylene (C2H4) permeability (281 Barrer) with a moderate ethylene/ethane (C2H4/C2H6) selectivity of 2.95 compared to the PI, surpassing the polymeric upper limit for C2H4/C2H6 separation.

Fabrication of antibacterial drug (furazolidone) sensor using zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8)–derived ZnO clusters as sensing material

Fabrication of antibacterial drug (furazolidone) sensor using zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8)–derived ZnO clusters as sensing material

Tuning Coordination in ZIF-67 Through the Solid-State Thermal Synthesis for Balancing Structural Stability and Catalytic Reactivity.

Tailor-made unsaturated coordination of metal ions or organic linkers in zeolitic imidazole frameworks (ZIFs) has great potential in tuning the ZIFs' properties and reactivity for their applications. Taking advantage of the solid-state thermal (SST) method as a facile and eco-friendly synthesis method, the rational coordination of metal ions with imidazole ligands in ZIF-67 through the SST method is investigated. The rational precursor ratio (metal-to-ligand source) under the solvent-free SST method emerges as a perfect strategy to tune the coordinately unsaturated sites within the ZIF-67 frameworks. Different analysis techniques, computational methods (DFT), and catalytic model reactions examine unsaturated coordination in ZIF-67 materials (defect structures). The unsaturated coordination provides unique characteristic properties on materials with excellent catalytic performance. However, the higher reactive properties are negotiated with weaker structural stability on materials. In addition, the post-SST approach is applied to enable rational coordination and modify the pristine ZIF-67 materials. The post-SST method rearranges and modifies coordination in the framework of materials. These findings are crucial to understanding the role of the uncoordinated degree to balance with structural stability based on ZIF-67, which is critical for effective heterogeneous catalysts.

Reaching Quantum Accuracy in Predicting Adsorption Properties for Ethane/Ethene in Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 at Low Pressure Regime.

Nanoporous materials in the form of metal-organic frameworks such as zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) are promising membrane materials for the separation of hydrocarbon mixtures. To compute the adsorption isotherms in such adsorbents, grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations have proven to be very useful. The quality of these isotherms depends on the accuracy of adsorbate-adsorbent interactions, which are mostly described using force fields owing to their low computational cost. However, force field predictions of adsorption uptake often show discrepancies from experiments at low pressures, providing the need for methods that are more accurate. Hence, in this work, we propose and validate two novel methodologies for the ZIF-8/ethane and ethene systems; a benchmarking methodology to evaluate the performance of any given force field in describing adsorption in the low-pressure regime and a refinement procedure to rescale the parameters of a force field to better describe the host-guest interactions and provide for simulation isotherms with close agreement to experimental isotherms. Both methodologies were developed based on a reference Henry coefficient, computed with the PBE-MBD functional using the importance sampling technique. The force field rankings predicted by the benchmarking methodology involve the comparison of force field derived Henry coefficients with the reference Henry coefficients and ranking the force fields based on the disparities between these Henry coefficients. The ranking from this methodology matches the rankings made based on uptake disparities by comparing force field derived simulation isotherms to experimental isotherms in the low-pressure regime. The force field rescaling methodology was proven to refine even the worst performing force field in UFF/TraPPE. The uptake disparities of UFF/TraPPE improved from 197% and 194% to 11% and 21% for ethane and ethene, respectively. The proposed methodology is applicable to predict adsorption across nanoporous materials and allows for rescaled force fields to reach quantum accuracy without the need for experimental input.

An ultrasensitive electrochemical aptasensor based on zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 loading gold nanoparticles and horseradish peroxidase for detection of aflatoxin B1

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most toxic mycotoxins and poses a high risk to human health. Highly sensitive and rapid detection is one of the most effective preventive measures to avoid potential hazards. Herein, an electrochemical aptasensor based on DNA nanotetrahedron and zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 loading gold nanoparticles, horseradish peroxidase, and aptamers was designed for the ultrasensitive detection of AFB1. The high specific surface area and large pore volume of zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 can increase the loading capacity and further improve the detection sensitivity of electrochemical aptasensors. DNA nanotetrahedron can enhance the capture ability of AFB1 with steady immobilization. The developed aptasensor showed good analytical performance for AFB1 detection, with a detection limit of 3.9 pg mL−1 and a wide linear range of 0.01–100 ng mL−1. The aptasensor detected AFB1 in corn samples with recovery rates ranging from 94.19%–105.77% and has potential for use in food safety monitoring.

Development of receptor-targeted and pH-responsive zeolitic imidazole framework-90 nanoplatform for anti-ovarian cancer

The covalent functionalization of the zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) is rapidly progressing and is being exploited as a nanoplatform for antitumor drug delivery to improve tumor targeting and drug release. Here, a novel nanoplatform strategy was developed by encapsulating Carboplatin (CBP) in ZIF-90 nanospheres (NPs) to obtain CBP@ZIF-90 NPs and then, modifying folate-terminated methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (FA-PEG-NH2) on the aldehyde group of ZIF-90 to form CBP@ZIF-90-NPF NPs with acid-sensitive Schiff base bond. The research results indicate that the yield of ZIF-90 was 72.77 ± 0.27 %, and the encapsulation efficiency and the loading content of CBP@ZIF-90 were 45.22 ± 0.49 % and 24.65 ± 0.34 %, respectively. The size of CBP@ZIF-90-NPF was 107.7 ± 1.7 nm in monodispersity with a single crystalline dodecahedral structure. Furthermore, the in vitro release behavior study revealed the sustained-release and the pH-responsive dissociation properties of the NPs. Only 6.84 % of CBP was released from the nanocarrier under physiological pH conditions for 48 h, while the release from the tumor microenvironment was 92.89 %. In addition, the cellular uptake result clearly showed that most of the FA-PEG-NH2 modified NPs exhibited specific selectivity in tumor cell nuclei. Finally, the cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay based on human ovarian cancer cell line (OVCAR-3) and human normal ovarian epithelial (IOSE-80) cell line obviously indicated that the ZIF-90 NPs had good biocompatibility and minimal cytotoxicity, as well as the high inhibition efficiency of the CBP@ZIF-90-NPF NPs meant that a much higher amount of CBP was transferred into the folate receptor (FR)-overexpressed ovarian cancer cells via FR mediated endocytosis. These results suggest that ZIF-90-NPF NPs could be an ideal targeted drug delivery vehicle for CBP, serving as a promising strategy for ovarian cancer treatment.

Catalytic Activity and Mechanical Stability of ZIFs‐Derived CoCeOx/Cordierite Monolithic Catalysts

AbstractBimetallic oxide catalysts derived from zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) have good catalytic oxidation activity, but their application is limited because the powder is not conducive to industrial production. In this study, CoCeOx/cordierite monolithic catalysts derived from ZIFs were prepared by a simple impregnation method. Firstly, a phase transition of Co‐ZIF was induced in ethanol solution by adding excessive Ce(NO3)3. Subsequently, tannic acid (TA) was used to chelate excess metal on the surface to expose more active sites. Meanwhile, TA staying on the surface of the precursor could also prevent the accumulation of Ce at high temperatures. After the activity test, CoCeOx/cordierite showed excellent activity for the catalytic oxidation of o‐xylene with a T90 of 295 °C. The mechanical stability of the catalyst was also tested by ultrasonic vibration method. In addition, we investigated the influence of factors such as impregnation cycles and TA treatment time on the physical and chemical properties. This paper provides a new idea for preparing monolithic catalysts derived from ZIFs.

Development of nanoscale uniform hexagonal zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF-8) for the degradation of CAP and 5-FLU anticancer drugs

Efficiently removing pharmaceutical pollutants poses a significant challenge for traditional sewage treatment systems. This study presents the synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazole Framework (ZIF-8) using various solvents, including deionized water (DI), isopropyl alcohol (IPA), methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), acetone (ACE), and methanol (MeOH), to degrade two anticancer drugs, 5-fluorouracil (5-FLU) and capecitabine (CAP), under visible light within 80 and 70 min, respectively. Optimized ZIF-8 synthesized using MeOH exhibits uniform hexagonal morphology at the nanoscale and a larger surface area, which, along with its interactions, establishes a synergistic reinforcing mechanism. This mechanism facilitates improved access to reactive sites, enhances the diffusion of pollutants and oxidants, improves charge separation capability, and boosts light utilization efficiency. Consequently, the degradation rates of 5-FLU and CAP approached approximately 99.7 % and 97.9 % following 80 and 70 min of visible light exposure at a pH of 7 in the presence of ZIF-8 (MeOH), indicating superior photocatalytic activity. The studied ZIF-8 (MeOH) system demonstrates excellent stability, maintaining appreciable performance even under visible light for about 70 min. The predominant active species, potential decomposition pathways of CAP and 5-FLU, and the underlying reaction mechanism of the ZIF-8 (MeOH) system under visible light have been thoroughly investigated. This research significantly advances the integration of photocatalysis technology, unlocking its tremendous potential in environmental restoration.

Pyridinic N‐Dominated Hard Carbon with Accessible Carbonyl Groups Enabling 98% Initial Coulombic Efficiency for Sodium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractHard carbon (HC) has been widely regarded as the most promising anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to its decent capacity and low cost. However, the poor initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of HC seriously hinders its practical application in SIBs. Herein, pyridinic N‐doped hard carbon polyhedra with easily accessible carbonyl groups and in situ coupled carbon nanotubes are rationally synthesized via a facile pretreated zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIFs)‐carbonization strategy. The comprehensive ex/in situ techniques combined with theoretical calculations reveal that the synergy of pyridinic‐N and carbonyl groups promoted by the pretreatment and carbonization process would not only optimize the Na+ adsorption energy but also accelerate the desorption of Na+, significantly suppressing the irreversible capacity loss. As a result, the as‐synthesized hard carbon polyhedra as an anode can deliver an unprecedented high ICE of 98% with a large reversible capacity of 389.4 mAh g−1 at 0.03 A g−1. This work may provide an effective strategy for the structural design of HC with high ICE.