Microporous assembly and shape control of a new Zn metal-organic framework: Morphology-dependent catalytic performance

A new metal-organic framework (MOF), [Zn(ATA)(bpd)] (1Zn) (ATA: 2-aminoterephthalic acid; bpd: 1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene), exhibiting a three-dimensional extended porous structure was successfully assembled in a MeOH-H2O solvent system. Under various controlled conditions, 1Zn was obtained in a variety of morphologies such as microspheres, microblocks, microsheets, microplates and microrods. The catalytic performance of the 1Zn microsized MOF was evaluated, and a possible catalytic mechanism was proposed. The flexibility of this MOF assembly strategy for shape control will certainly enhance new potential applications of micro-/nano-MOFs.