Sonoelectrochemical synthesis of metal-organic frameworks

Here we report a new synergic strategy for the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), the sonoelectrochemical method. The metal-organic framework HKUST-1 [Cu3(BTC)2(H2O)3]n was successfully prepared by using this approach. Structural and morphological properties of HKUST-1 were studied and results compared with those obtained for the same material synthesized via a conventional solvothermal method. The sonoelectrochemical approach allowed the preparation of powder samples with nanosized characteristics, high yields and in a short time. Furthermore, we confirmed that this route worked well for the synthesis of others MOFs, such as ZIF-8 and MIL-53. Such simple and practical strategy may allow the large-scale production of MOFs, which is of great interest for industrial applications.