Extraordinary NO2 Removal by the Metal-Organic Framework UiO-66-NH2

Here we discuss the removal of nitrogen dioxide, an important toxic industrial chemical and pollutant, from air using the MOF UiO-66-NH2. The amine group is found to substantially aid in the removal, resulting in unprecedented removal capacities upwards of 1.4g of NO2/g of MOF. Furthermore, whereas NO2 typically generates substantial quantities of NO on sorbents, the amount generated by UiO-66-NH2 is significantly reduced. Of particular significance is the formation of a diazonium ion on the aromatic ring of the MOF, and the potential reduction of NO2 to molecular nitrogen.