Modulated synthesis of zirconium-metal organic framework (Zr-MOF) for hydrogen storage applications

•High crystalline Zr-MOF with well-defined shape was prepared via modulated synthesis.•It has improved ease of handling during filtration process with micro-sized crystals.•It has higher thermo-stability and good stability in selected aqueous media.•It has enhanced H2 storage capacity against the reported results.

A modulated synthesis of Zr-metal organic framework (Zr-MOF) with improved ease of handling and decreased reaction time is reported to yield highly crystalline Zr-MOF with well-defined octahedral shaped crystals for practical hydrogen storage applications. The Zr-MOF obtained from the modulated synthesis showed high thermal and moisture stabilities with enhanced hydrogen storage capacity. Further study suggests that the modulated synthesis of Zr-MOF may lead to the development of a flow-through synthesis process.