Fine-tuning of wettability in a single metal–organic framework via postcoordination modification and its reduced graphene oxide aerogel for oil–water separation

Abstract

Elaborate control of wettability in a single platform is essential for materials’ applications towards oil–water separation, but it still remains challenging. Herein, we performed postcoordination modification of Mg₂(dobpdc) with monoamines of various alkyl chain lengths, enabling both long-term hydrolytic stability and facile fine-tuning of wettability. An efficient separation of oil–water mixtures was achieved by using the octylamine-appended framework (OctA). We also prepared an OctA/reduced graphene oxide aerogel that showed exceptional absorption capacities towards organic solvents and oil as well as superb recyclability with maintained absorbency.