Construction of an interpenetrated MOF-5 with high mesoporosity for hydrogen storage at low pressure

•Synthesis of an interpenetrated MOF-5 with intercrystalline mesopores•An optimal technology was developed to synthesize the target materials.•Samples with improved thermal stability and hydrogen uptake at low pressure

An interpenetrated MOF-5 with high mesoporosity was synthesized via solvothermal method. The porous texture was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and N2 adsorption/desorption analysis. And the thermal stability and hydrogen storage at low pressure of the samples were studied. The results showed that the temperature of thermal decomposition for as-prepared MOF-5 increased and more interestingly the hydrogen uptake at 77 K and low pressure could be improved. The enhancement of hydrogen uptake was considered to be originated from successful construction of interpenetrated structure and intercrystalline mesopore.

Graphical abstractThe interpenetrated MOF-5 with high mesoporosity possessed improved thermal stability and hydrogen storage capacity, due to the contribution of the interpenetrated structure and intercrystalline mesopores.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide