Simple and Efficient Regeneration of Metal-Organic Frameworks via Acid-Base Treatment

Abstract

Simple and efficient regenerations of MOF-5 and HKUST-1 are demonstrated via acid-base treatment. The reactants are recovered simply dissolving the deteriorated MOFs using a strong acid. The pristine MOFs are regenerated in high yields by adjusting the solution pH either via in-situ base formation or via ex-situ base addition. The both regeneration protocols are environmentally benign and cost effective because the reactants in the deteriorated MOFs are recycled. Especially the ex-situ base addition protocol can be done in a cheap and environmentally friendly ethanol/water mixed solvent at ambient condition and is suitable for large scale batch regeneration owing to the simple procedure and short reaction time.