Inter-conversion between zeolitic imidazolate frameworks: a dissolution–recrystallization process

Post-synthetic ligand exchange (PSE) approach has been widely used for the incorporation of functional moieties into metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to achieve desired properties. It allows the replication of MOF superstructures with desired linker functionality through the conversion of preformed superstructures. However, this replication might turn to be unsuccessful if the conversion is a dissolution–recrystallization process. In this work, we report the inter-conversion of a variety of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) following the PSE procedure using dimethylformamide as the solvent instead of alcoholic solvents. A dissolution–recrystallization process is demonstrated by the studies on the conversion of ZIF thin films and metal nanoparticle loaded ZIFs.