Controlled synthesis of novel one-dimensional structured ZIFs via supramolecular self-assemblies

Abstract

Herein, one-dimensional ZIF-8 nanomaterials, including nanofibers, nanotubes, nanobelts and thin-helical ribbons, have been demonstrated as self-templates of zinc-cholate (ZnSC) supramolecular self-assemblies. The morphology of ZnSC templates can be well-tuned by solvent ratios and transcribed into that of the resultant ZIF-8 nanomaterials. This procedure provides a versatile methodology to design and fabricate diverse 1D MOFs such as ZIF-67 and ZIF-7. The obtained ZIF-8 nanobelts exhibit hierarchical pores, including mesopores and intrinsic micropores, and high surface area and total pore volume (656 m² g⁻¹ and 0.78 cm³ g⁻¹, respectively), which serve as excellent drug delivery vehicles. Porous nanobelts can also be applied as a carrier of horseradish peroxidase (HRP), which show both peroxidase-like activity and enhanced enzymatic activity.