Direct synthesis of robust hcp UiO-66(Zr) MOF using poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste as ligand source

We report here the direct synthesis of a zirconuim metal-based metal-organic framework (MOF) using waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) as ligand source. A Zr12 cluster terephthalate MOF hcp UiO-66 was derived via the reaction of ZrCl4 and PET in acetone and formic acid mixed solvent. The obtained material showed hexagonal prism shape with a good crystallinity and a much larger surface area than the theoretical value due to the ligand defects (≈3 missing linkers per Zr12 cluster). Besides, the resulting MOF exhibits both a high thermal stability in air and an excellent hydrothermal stability. Moreover, the hcp UiO-66 has been proven to be useful for the separation of benzene/cyclohexane due to a competitive adsorption process, as evidenced through mixed-vapor breakthrough experiments. [Display omitted] •We directly synthesized a tetravalent metal-based MOF using PET as ligand source.•Zr12 cluster terephthalate MOF hcp UiO-66 was obtained.•The material shows higher surface area than the reported and theoretical values.•The material has excellent thermal stability and hydrothermal stability.•The MOF material has a good cyclohexane/benzene separation performance.