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Facile synthesis of size-tunable ZIF-8 nanocrystals using reverse micelles as nanoreactors

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Abstract

This paper describes a robust method for the synthesis of high-quality ZIF-8 nanocrystals using reverse micelles as discrete nanoscale reactors. The precise size control of ZIF-8 nanocrystals is conveniently achieved by tuning the concentration of precursors, reaction temperatures, the amount of water, and the structure of surfactants. The as-synthesized ZIF-8 nanocrystals are of narrow distribution and tunable size. A size-dependent catalytic activity for Knoevenagel condensation reaction is further demonstrated by using ZIF-8 nanocrystals with different sizes as the catalysts. This facile method opens up a new opportunity in the synthesis of various ZIFs nanocrystals.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory for Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials; Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China

    XiaoJing Zhao, BingHui Wu, LanSun Zheng & NanFeng Zheng

  2. Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China

    XiaoLiang Fang

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  1. XiaoJing Zhao
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  2. XiaoLiang Fang
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  3. BingHui Wu
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  4. LanSun Zheng
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  5. NanFeng Zheng
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Correspondence to NanFeng Zheng.

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Zhao, X., Fang, X., Wu, B. et al. Facile synthesis of size-tunable ZIF-8 nanocrystals using reverse micelles as nanoreactors. Sci. China Chem. 57, 141–146 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11426-013-5008-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11426-013-5008-4

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