Ambient multivariate synthesis of ZIF-8 nanoparticles: Optimization and application in Li metal batteries

Abstract

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), a prominent subclass of metal–organic frameworks, are renowned for their exceptional properties. Among these, ZIF-8 is distinguished by its outstanding thermal and chemical stability, making it ideal for various industrial applications. This study presents a multivariate analytical approach to precisely control the dimensional attributes of ZIF-8 crystals under ambient conditions, without the need for additives or thermal regulation. We systematically investigated five critical parameters: (1) sonication, (2) reaction time, (3) flow rate, (4) acidity, and (5) concentration, and employed computational heatmap analysis to elucidate their interrelationships. Our results demonstrate that each parameter significantly influences particle structure and yield, with the hierarchy of these parameters varying between size and yield. Notably, controlling the reaction time was particularly effective in managing ZIF-8 particle size without compromising yield, while adjusting the concentration of the organic precursor facilitated the synthesis of smaller ZIF-8 particles with high yield. The practical application of the synthesized ZIF-8 was validated through its integration into lithium metal batteries, where the particle size was shown to have a profound impact on electrochemical performance. This study highlights the importance of precise synthesis parameter control in optimizing ZIF-8 particle size and yield, providing valuable insights for the development of advanced porous materials with broad applicability.