Polymer-induced polymorphism in a Zn-based metal organic framework

Abstract

Several MOF polymorphs exhibit enhanced properties compared to their previously known structures, motivating the development of polymorphic control methods. Here, we study polymorphism in the ZIF-8/ZIF-L system as a function of metal : ligand ratio during synthesis and show a significant shift in the phase transition point towards ZIF-8 with addition of dilute polyethylene oxide during synthesis. Computational results suggest a simple pathway for controlling MOF polymorphism where the choice of polymer can be guided via first-principles simulations.