Post-Synthetic Modification of ZIF-8 Crystals and Films through UV Light Photoirradiation: Impact on the Physicochemical Behavior of the MOF

The physicochemical modification of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) is a current challenge in the search to improve their performance in different technological applications. In this work we analyze the post-synthetic modification of ZIF-8 crystals and films through a simple and clean treatment that involves the exposure to a UV lamp under environmental conditions. It is demonstrated that a short treatment alters the MOF structure and chemistry, providing a modified ZIF-8 due to partial disconnections of its structure which increase the amount of terminal surface species such as Zn-OH and -C=N-H, but without compromising the overall MOF structure, specific surface area or thermal stability. Additionally, it leads to changes in several properties of the ZIF-8, such as its capacity to accumulate charge through pseudocapacitive processes, its interaction with nitric oxide and its light absorption behavior. This strategy of modifying ZIF-8 without the use of chemicals through a gentle disconnection of its own structure could open new perspectives of post-functionalization of crystals and films of ZIF-8 to be used in a wide range of applications.