Enhancement in the CO2 uptake of UiO-66 by a simple exposure to ultraviolet light

In this work, we report that a simple post-synthetic treatment of the metal-organic framework (MOF) UiO-66 through an exposure to ultraviolet light (UV-C) allows a marked increase in its CO2 uptake capacity. It is shown that this is due to the generation of cluster defects at nanoregions of the MOF while its overall architecture and crystallinity are maintained. UiO-66 modified in this way has a greater structural complexity with a more open framework and new interaction sites that lead to the increased capture of CO2. The results presented here are the first report of an improvement in the CO2 uptake of a Metal-organic framework using this procedure. Comparing with existing methods, the treatment is a promising alternative to increase the CO2 uptake of UiO-66 preserving its structural integrity and robustness through a simple, short and sustainable procedure that avoids the use of chemicals.

Automated summary

Research shows that exposure to ultraviolet light can significantly increase the CO2 uptake capacity of the metal-organic framework UiO-66. This is achieved through the generation of cluster defects in nanoregions of the framework while maintaining its overall structure and crystallinity. This treatment method provides a simple, short, and sustainable way to enhance the CO2 capture of UiO-66, preserving its structural integrity and robustness without the use of chemicals.