Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks as Mechanical Metamaterials and for Hydrogen Isotope Separation

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the structure-driven functionality advances in zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), focusing on their roles as mechanical metamaterials and in hydrogen isotope separation. The research first explores ZIFs as solid-state nanomachines, discovering unique mechanical components within ZIFs that contribute to their structural flexibility and mechanical responsiveness (Nam et al. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024, 63, e202404061). It then introduces kirigami-inspired techniques for dynamic pore structure modulation, enabling precise control over mechanical and adsorptive properties (Nam et al. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024, e202417137). Building on this, an entropy-guided strategy is developed to enhance hydrogen isotope separation through linker functionality-based programmable pore apertures, optimizing the pore environment of ZIFs (Nam et al. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024, e202420379). Collectively, these studies highlight the versatility of ZIFs in advanced nanotechnology and energy applications.