Rapid synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) in aqueous solution via microwave irradiation

•The first successful synthesis of ZIF-8 in aqueous system under microwave irradiation•The products exhibit high surface area and large micropore volume.•This strategy can be widely used in synthesis of other ZIFs.

Herein we report a new strategy to synthesize zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) at a relatively low molar ratio of ligand to metal ion in aqueous solution under microwave irradiation for the first time. The products possess high surface area and large micropore volume. The molar ratio of ligand to metal ion and the salt anion play an important role on the size and shape of ZIF-8.

Graphical abstractZeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) was successfully synthesized by a new microwave irradiation method in aqueous solution for the first time.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide