Featured Metal-Organic Framework Powders
Premium porous materials optimized for industrial adsorption, gas storage, and catalytic applications.
Comprehensive Technical Analysis: Fe-BTC / MIL-100(Fe) Architecture
Understanding the crystallographic, thermodynamic, and kinetic properties of Iron Benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate.
Iron Benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (commonly synthesized and commercialized as Fe-BTC or MIL-100(Fe)) represents one of the most commercially vital, eco-friendly, and chemically versatile metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) available to modern industrial science. Composed of non-toxic, earth-abundant iron metal nodes linked by trimesic acid (1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid), Fe-BTC exhibits an extraordinary hierarchical porous structure comprising two types of mesoporous cages (approximately 25 Å and 29 Å in diameter) accessible via microporous windows of 5.5 Å and 8.6 Å.
As global industries transition toward green chemistry, sustainable catalysis, and carbon-neutral gas purification, selecting the best Fe-BTC supplier and exporter requires an intimate understanding of synthesis routes, batch consistency, BET surface area yield, and structural thermal stability. Our ton-scale manufacturing facility bridges the historical gap between lab-scale synthesis and cost-effective bulk chemical export.
Material Specifications & Benchmark Technical Parameters
Our engineered Fe-BTC powders are manufactured under strict digital quality-control systems, ensuring minimal structural defects and maximum density of Lewis acid active sites ($Fe^{3+}$ trimers). Below is the comprehensive benchmark analysis of our industrial-grade Fe-BTC product line:
| Technical Parameter | Standard Commercial Grade | High-Purity Catalytic Grade | Test / Analytical Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Fe3O(H2O)2(OH) · [C6H3(COO)3]2 | Fe3O(H2O)2(OH) · [C6H3(COO)3]2 | ICP-OES / Elemental Analysis |
| CAS Registry Number | 1195763-37-1 / 1256052-70-8 | 1195763-37-1 / 1256052-70-8 | Standard Registry |
| BET Specific Surface Area | 1,400 – 1,800 m²/g | 1,800 – 2,200 m²/g | N2 Adsorption Isotherm (77 K) |
| Total Pore Volume | 0.80 – 0.95 cm³/g | 0.95 – 1.15 cm³/g | BJH / Density Functional Theory |
| Average Particle Size (D50) | 3.0 – 10.0 µm (Customizable) | 0.5 – 2.0 µm (Micronized) | Laser Diffraction (ISO 13320) |
| Thermal Decomposition (Air) | > 280°C | > 310°C | Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) |
| pH Operational Range | 2.0 – 8.5 | 1.5 – 9.0 | Aqueous Dispersion Stability |
| Bulk Density | 0.35 – 0.45 g/cm³ | 0.28 – 0.38 g/cm³ | Tap Density Volumetric Test |
Information Gain Insight: Unlike conventional MIL-100(Fe) synthesized via corrosive hydrofluoric acid (HF) routes, our proprietary green hydrothermal activation process utilizes HF-free synthesis. This guarantees zero toxic fluoride leaching, making our Fe-BTC fully compliant with European REACH standards and ideally suited for pharmaceutical carriers and municipal wastewater filtration systems.
Localized Application Scenarios & Global Industry Deployments
How engineered Fe-BTC frameworks solve process bottlenecks across key industrial sectors.
Advanced Fenton-Like Oxidation
In industrial wastewater treatment plants across East Asia and North America, Fe-BTC serves as a heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst. Its coordinatively unsaturated $Fe^{3+}/Fe^{2+}$ redox pairs activate hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) or persulfate under neutral to mildly acidic pH, efficiently degrading recalcitrant organic dyes, pharmaceuticals (e.g., tetracycline), and PFAS without generating secondary iron sludge.
Biogas Upgrading & H2S Scrubbing
European bio-energy facilities utilize Fe-BTC packed-bed columns for deep desulfurization of agricultural biogas. Fe-BTC exhibits preferential chemisorption of hydrogen sulfide ($H_2S$) and volatile organosulfur compounds over methane ($CH_4$) and carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), reducing sulfur concentrations from >2,000 ppm down to sub-ppm thresholds with facile thermal regeneration.
Lithium-Sulfur Battery Interlayers
Leading battery manufacturers in China and South Korea incorporate Fe-BTC dispersions as catalytic coatings on lithium-ion battery separators. The polar mesopores of Fe-BTC effectively trap soluble lithium polysulfides ($Li_2S_n$) via strong Lewis acid-base interactions, preventing shuttle effects and dramatically improving capacity retention in high-energy-density cell architectures.
VOC Trapping & Gas Storage
Automotive and semiconductor paint booths implement Fe-BTC filter beds to capture volatile organic compounds (benzene, toluene, xylene). The structural stability of Fe-BTC under high ambient humidity gives it a distinct operational advantage over traditional activated carbon, which rapidly deactivates in humid air streams.
Targeted Drug Delivery & Bio-Carriers
Pharmaceutical researchers take advantage of Fe-BTC’s exceptional biocompatibility and large pore volume to encapsulate high dosages of hydrophobic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The pH-responsive degradation profile allows controlled, localized release in gastrointestinal or tumor microenvironments.
Semiconductor Specialty Gas Purification
Ultra-pure gas manufacturing lines leverage modified Fe-BTC powders to strip moisture, oxygen, and trace metal vapors down to parts-per-trillion (ppt) levels, protecting expensive lithography equipment and wafer fab processing systems.
China Supply Chain Resilience & Ton-Scale Efficiency
Why global chemical importers depend on our integrated Zhuhai manufacturing hub.
Scaling metal-organic frameworks from gram-level academic interest to multi-ton commercial reality has historically been stymied by prohibitive raw material costs, high solvent consumption, and batch-to-batch structural variance. As China’s premier MOF manufacturer, our facility in Zhuhai, Guangdong has overcome these engineering barriers through strategic vertical integration.
By sourcing high-purity iron salts ($Fe(NO_3)_3 \cdot 9H_2O$ and $FeCl_3$) and 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid directly from domestic upstream producers, we eliminate international intermediate markups. Furthermore, our continuous-flow mechanochemical and hydrothermal reactors reduce solvent usage by up to 65%, yielding unparalleled cost efficiency that we pass directly to our global buyers.
Continuous Flow Synthesis Lines
Replaced legacy batch autoclaves with continuous microfluidic reactors, achieving 99.2% batch repeatability and 50-ton annual output.
Closed-Loop Solvent Recovery
Integrated automated ethanol and water recovery systems, lowering volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions to near zero while minimizing production costs.
Rigorous Digital Inspection (PXRD & TGA)
Every exported lot is verified via in-house Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD) to ensure 100% crystalline phase purity without unreacted linker impurities.
Supply Chain Performance Metrics
We provide full OEM/ODM tailoring for global R&D teams.
Comparative MOF Architecture Benchmark
Evaluating Fe-BTC against alternative metal-organic frameworks for engineering selection.
| Framework Name | Metal Center | Hydrothermal Stability | Toxicity & Eco Profile | Relative Unit Cost | Primary Industrial Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fe-BTC (MIL-100(Fe)) | Iron (Fe³⁺) | High (Stable in H2O, pH 2-8) | Non-toxic, Eco-friendly | Economical ($$) | Fenton Catalysis, H2S Removal, Battery Separators |
| HKUST-1 (Cu-BTC) | Copper (Cu²⁺) | Low (Degrades in water moisture) | Moderate Toxicity | Moderate ($$$) | Dry Gas Storage, Acetylene Purification |
| ZIF-8 | Zinc (Zn²⁺) | Very High (Stable in base/boiling water) | Low Toxicity | Economical ($$) | CO2 Capture, Hydrophobic VOC Removal |
| UiO-66 (Zr) | Zirconium (Zr⁴⁺) | Extreme (Stable in strong acid) | Low Toxicity | High ($$$$) | Chemical Warfare Agent Defense, Acid Catalysts |
| MIL-101(Cr) | Chromium (Cr³⁺) | Very High | Heavy Metal Concern (Cr) | High ($$$$) | High-Capacity Dye Adsorption, Vapor Storage |
As demonstrated in the comparison table above, Fe-BTC balances environmental compliance, excellent water stability, and low raw material expenditure better than virtually any other commercial MOF material. While copper-based frameworks like HKUST-1 collapse when exposed to moisture and chromium-based frameworks face tight environmental regulations in North America and Europe, Fe-BTC offers a safe, sustainable pathway for large-scale industrial deployment.
Technology Roadmap & Next-Generation Innovations (2025–2030)
Pioneering advancements in structured MOF monoliths, mixed-metal nodes, and continuous extrusion.
Phase 1: 3D-Printed Fe-BTC Monoliths
Moving away from loose fine powders which cause high pressure drops in industrial gas columns. Our engineering team has developed binder-integrated extruded pellets and 3D honeycomb monoliths that preserve over 88% of native microporosity while delivering superior mechanical crush strength (>45 N/pellet).
Phase 2: Mixed-Metal Atom Engineering (Fe/Ni & Fe/Zr)
By doping secondary transition metals into the oxo-centered iron cluster, we produce bimetallic Fe-Ni-BTC and Fe-Zr-BTC variants. This creates synergistically active electronic states, boosting Fenton catalytic reaction velocity constants ($k$) by up to 340% for ultra-fast degradation of toxic industrial effluents.
Phase 3: Automated Quality & Traceability
Implementing blockchain-backed digital quality passports for every batch exported. Global customers can scan their shipment QR code to instantly pull down certified ICP-OES metal assay reports, nitrogen sorption curves, SEM micrographs, and MSDS safety sheets.
Global Logistics, Export Compliance & Packaging Standards
Seamless international shipping backed by ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and hazardous-free transport classification.
Standardized Industrial Packaging Options
To maintain vacuum dry states and prevent moisture contamination during oceanic transit, we utilize multi-tier protective packaging:
- R&D Evaluation Lots: 100g, 500g, 1kg vacuum-sealed aluminum foil bags with desiccant inserts.
- Pilot Scale Supply: 10kg & 25kg high-density fiber drums with dual inner PE moisture liners.
- Bulk Commercial Shipments: 500kg UN-certified palletized super-sacks engineered for automated hopper discharge.
Regulatory & Export Documentation
We provide comprehensive compliance documentation to streamline customs clearance in Europe, North America, Japan, and the Middle East:
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Fully updated in 16 languages according to GHS Revision 9.
- REACH Registration: Fully registered for import into the European Economic Area (EEA).
- Non-Hazardous Certification: Certified as non-dangerous goods for air and ocean freight (IMO/ICAO/IATA compliant).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Fe-BTC Procurement
Technical and commercial answers for chemical buyers, application engineers, and research directors.
What is the structural difference between Fe-BTC and MIL-100(Fe)?
In academic literature and chemical trade, Fe-BTC and MIL-100(Fe) are functionally synonymous. Both refer to iron benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate coordination polymers built from trimeric iron octahedra units linked by trimesic acid. However, commercially synthesized "Fe-BTC" sometimes exhibits slightly lower crystallinity and smaller domain sizes optimized for rapid kinetic adsorption, whereas strictly defined "MIL-100(Fe)" features fully formed crystalline cages with BET surface areas reaching 1,800 to 2,200 m²/g. Our factory supplies both high-crystallinity MIL-100(Fe) and cost-optimized industrial Fe-BTC grades tailored to your specific budget and application performance requirements.
How should Fe-BTC powder be stored and activated before use?
Fe-BTC powders should be stored in their original sealed moisture-proof packaging in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse away from direct sunlight. Because Fe-BTC is ambiently hygroscopic (it naturally adsorbs trace atmospheric moisture into its micropores), thermal activation is recommended prior to gas adsorption or catalytic testing. Activating the material under vacuum at 150°C for 6 to 12 hours removes guest water molecules trapped within the iron metal nodes, fully exposing the Lewis acid active sites ($Fe^{3+}$) and restoring maximum BET surface area capacity.
Can Fe-BTC withstand aqueous environments and acidic/basic solutions?
Yes. Fe-BTC is recognized as one of the most hydrothermally stable MOFs available. It maintains structural integrity in aqueous solutions across a wide pH window of 2.0 to 8.5. Unlike copper-based MOFs (such as HKUST-1) which hydrolyze rapidly in liquid water, Fe-BTC can operate effectively in continuous aqueous filtration beds and advanced oxidation wastewater systems. However, prolonged exposure to strong alkaline conditions (pH > 10.0) will cause hydroxide ions ($OH^-$) to displace the carboxylate linkers, leading to structural collapse into iron hydroxides.
Do you offer custom particle size distributions or liquid dispersions?
Absolutely. As a dedicated manufacturer and exporter, we support fully custom physical processing. Standard off-the-shelf powder has a median particle size (D50) of approximately 5–10 microns. Upon request, our processing facility can provide jet-milled sub-micron powders (D50 < 1.5 µm) or pre-dispersed liquid slurry grades in water, ethanol, or NMP (N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone) optimized for battery separator coating lines and thin-film membrane casting.
How do I request 1–5 gram evaluation samples for institutional research?
We actively support industrial R&D teams and university laboratories. Qualified corporate R&D projects can receive 1–5g evaluation samples free of charge, with express international shipping paid by the requester. Simply contact our sales engineering department via email with your company credentials, technical target parameters, and project timeline. Sample requests are evaluated and dispatched within 24 to 48 hours.
What are your minimum order quantities (MOQ) and export delivery lead times?
Our minimum order quantity for commercial powder grades starts at 1 kg for pilot testing and 25 kg for standard drum supply. For standard inventory grades, export order processing and customs dispatch from our Zhuhai factory takes 7 to 10 business days. Custom synthesis or specialized pelletization orders typically require a lead time of 2 to 3 weeks depending on total tonnage.
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