Capacitively Coupled Alternating Electric Field for Accelerated and General Synthesis of Metal–Organic Frameworks

Abstract

The conventional synthesis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is often time-consuming and energy-intensive, which has become a bottleneck restricting their practical applications. Herein, we report a novel strategy utilizing a capacitively coupled alternating electric field (CCAEF) to accelerate MOF synthesis. The CCAEF could activate the precursor solution and lower the nucleation energy barrier, thereby facilitating the rapid formation of MOF materials. Using UiO-66 as a model, rapid synthesis was achieved within 25 min under relatively mild conditions, and the obtained material exhibited crystallinity and stability comparable to those of products from traditional synthesis methods. Furthermore, this method demonstrated good generality, successfully applied to the synthesis of various zirconium-based MOFs (e.g., UiO-66-NH₂, MOF-801, MOF-808) and nonzirconium-based MOFs (e.g., MOF-5, MIL-88A, MIL-53). Notably, the CCAEF enhanced electron transfer, promoting the reduction of multivalent metals and leading to superior catalytic activity. This study provides an efficient strategy for the rapid and efficient synthesis of MOFs.