Versatile reactions on hydrophobic functionalization of metal-organic frameworks and anticorrosion application

Four post-synthetic modification (PSM) reactions to incorporate alkyl chains onto metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were explored by using various organic transformation reactions. The modified hydrophobic MOFs can reduce the interface voids within the MOF-polymer composites. In this work, it was demonstrated that the decorated hydrophobic MOFs eliminated the interfacial voids in the MOF-polyaniline (PANI) composites and increased the anticorrosion performance. In particular, PAZr-C18-5% composite exhibited significant anticorrosive properties as the corrosion current density was reduced from 71.61 to 0.18 μA/cm2. Furthermore, the doping of hydrophobic MOFs into PANI can also increases the composite's surface hydrophobicity and improve its gas barrier performance. Four facile approaches to assembling of superhydrophobic metal-organic frameworks for anticorrosive applications. [Display omitted] •Successful post-synthetic modification (PSM) alkyl chains onto porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).•Hydrophobic and superhydrophobic MOFs were successfully preparation by various reactions.•Hydrophobic MOFs-based polyaniline (PANI) composites was achieved.•MOF-PANI composites coating on cold-rolled steel (CRS) display improved anticorrosion performance.