2-Methylimidazole assisted ultrafast synthesis of carboxylate-based metal–organic framework nano-structures in aqueous medium at room temperature

Carboxylate-based metal–organic frameworks (CMOFs) have received considerable attentions for their high stability, catalytic activity, and porosity. However, synthesis of CMOFs requires high temperature, pressure, and long reaction time. Here, we explored the activity of 2-methylimidazole (2-MIM) for ultrafast synthesis of CMOF nanostructures (CMOFNs), in aqueous medium at room temperature and reaction time of 10 min. Seven CMOFNs have been synthesized by using Al3+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Fe3+, In3+, or Cd2+ salt and 1,4-bezenedicarboxylic acid, or 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid. Through this technique, the CMOFs with space time yield 181–501 kg m−3 day−1 and crystal sizes of ca. 200–700 nm was obtained.