High-rate synthesis of Cu-BTC metal-organic frameworksElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental details on Cu-BTC synthesis and characterization, and further Raman, TGA and N2 gas adsorption-desorption results. See DOI: 10.1039/c3cc46049e

The reaction conditions for the synthesis of Cu-BTC (BTC = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid) were elucidated using a continuous-flow microreactor-assisted solvothermal system to achieve crystal size and phase control. A high-rate synthesis of Cu-BTC metal-organic frameworks with a BET surface area of more than 1600 m 2 g −1 (Langmuir surface area of more than 2000 m 2 g −1 ) and with a 97% production yield could be achieved with a total reaction time of 5 minutes. This schematic shows the continuous-flow microreactor-assisted solution process which enables the high-rate MOF synthesis by efficient mixing of the reactant streams.