Effect of a Zr-Based Metal-Organic Framework Structure on the Properties of Its Composite with Polyaniline

Zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks and their roles in electrocatalysis

Due to their exceptional chemical stability in water and high structural tunability, zirconium(IV)-based MOFs (Zr-MOFs) have been considered attractive materials in the broad fields of electrocatalysis. Numerous studies published since 2015 have attempted to utilise Zr-MOFs in electrocatalysis, with the porous framework serving as either the active electrocatalyst or the scaffold or surface coating to further enhance the performance of the actual electrocatalyst. Herein, the roles of Zr-MOFs in electrocatalytic processes are discussed, and some selected examples reporting the applications of Zr-MOFs in various electrocatalytic reactions, including several studies from our group, are overviewed. Challenges, limitations and opportunities in using Zr-MOFs in electrocatalysis in future studies are discussed.

Defect-enabling zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks for energy and environmental remediation applications

This comprehensive review explores the diverse applications of defective zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) in energy and environmental remediation. Zr-MOFs have gained significant attention due to their unique properties, and deliberate introduction of defects further enhances their functionality. The review encompasses several areas where defective Zr-MOFs exhibit promise, including environmental remediation, detoxification of chemical warfare agents, photocatalytic energy conversions, and electrochemical applications. Defects play a pivotal role by creating open sites within the framework, facilitating effective adsorption and remediation of pollutants. They also contribute to the catalytic activity of Zr-MOFs, enabling efficient energy conversion processes such as hydrogen production and CO2 reduction. The review underscores the importance of defect manipulation, including control over their distribution and type, to optimize the performance of Zr-MOFs. Through tailored defect engineering and precise selection of functional groups, researchers can enhance the selectivity and efficiency of Zr-MOFs for specific applications. Additionally, pore size manipulation influences the adsorption capacity and transport properties of Zr-MOFs, further expanding their potential in environmental remediation and energy conversion. Defective Zr-MOFs exhibit remarkable stability and synthetic versatility, making them suitable for diverse environmental conditions and allowing for the introduction of missing linkers, cluster defects, or post-synthetic modifications to precisely tailor their properties. Overall, this review highlights the promising prospects of defective Zr-MOFs in addressing energy and environmental challenges, positioning them as versatile tools for sustainable solutions and paving the way for advancements in various sectors toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Waste polyethylene terephthalate plastic derived Zr-MOF for high performance supercapacitor applications

The chemical conversion of plastic waste into metal-organic framework (MOF) materials has emerged as a significant research field in addressing issues associated to the environment and the economy. The significant advantages of MOFs as electrode material for energy/supercapacitors arises from their extensive surface area and notable porosity. The present study involved the synthesis of Zirconium-Metal Organic Frameworks (Zr-MOF) by the solvothermal method, utilizing plastic waste in the form of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. The morphological and structural characteristics of the Zr-MOF were inspected through several analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The as prepared Zr-MOF demonstrated very high specific surface area of 927.567 m2 g-1 with mesoporous nature of the materials estimate by BJH method. The electrochemical characteristics of the Zr-MOF in 3-electrode system exhibited a notable specific capacitance of 822 F g-1 when subjected to a low scan rate of 2 mV S-1, while the specific capacitance estimated through galvanostatic charge-discharge exhibited an enhanced value of 890 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1. Additionally, the working electrode composed of Zr-MOF demonstrated noteworthy capacitance retention of 92% after 5000 charge discharge cycles. This research presents novel opportunities for the utilization of waste PET bottles in fabrication of highly functional Zr-MOF, aiming to advance the development of next-generation supercapacitors and environmental remediation.