Featured Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)
Explore our top-tier export-grade MOF powders engineered for superior surface area, gas adsorption, and catalytic precision.
Understanding ZIF-67: Chemistry, Topology, and Structural Advantages
Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-67 (ZIF-67) represents a landmark class of cobalt-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) characterized by a sodalite (SOD) crystal topology. Composed of divalent cobalt metal nodes ($\text{Co}^{2+}$) self-assembled with 2-methylimidazole ($\text{C}_4\text{H}_6\text{N}_2$) organic linkers, ZIF-67 features a chemical formula of $\text{Co}(\text{C}_4\text{H}_5\text{N}_2)_2$. Its distinct purple microcrystalline structure exhibits an exceptionally high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area ($>1,600 \text{ m}^2/\text{g}$), uniform pore cages of approximately $1.16 \text{ nm}$ ($11.6 \text{ \AA}$), and constrained pore apertures of $0.34 \text{ nm}$ ($3.4 \text{ \AA}$).
From an engineering perspective, sourcing ZIF-67 from qualified ZIF-67 exporters & suppliers requires rigorous assessment of phase purity, solvent evacuation efficiency, and crystallite size distribution. Unlike traditional porous silicas or activated carbons, the metal-linker-metal angle in ZIF-67 ($\sim 145^\circ$) closely mirrors the $\text{Si-O-Si}$ bond angle found in natural zeolites. This endows ZIF-67 with unusual hydrothermal and chemical stability in alkaline media—making it an irreplaceable precursor for advanced energy storage, water treatment, and heterogeneous electrocatalysis.
Key Information Gain Metric: Standard ZIF-67 synthesized via room-temperature aqueous methods achieves surface areas around $1,200 \text{ m}^2/\text{g}$. Leading tier-1 Chinese manufacturers utilize controlled solvothermal and mechanochemical routes to achieve BET surface areas exceeding $1,750 \text{ m}^2/\text{g}$ with less than $0.3\%$ residual solvent content, significantly boosting mass activity in catalytic reactions.
Structural Comparison: ZIF-67 vs. ZIF-8
While ZIF-67 and ZIF-8 share identical sodalite frameworks and organic linkers (2-methylimidazole), the replacement of zinc ($\text{Zn}^{2+}$) with cobalt ($\text{Co}^{2+}$) introduces dramatically different electronic properties:
- Electrocatalytic Redox Activity: The variable oxidation state of cobalt ($\text{Co}^{2+}/\text{Co}^{3+}$) provides accessible d-electrons, rendering ZIF-67 inherently active for oxygen evolution reactions (OER) and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), whereas ZIF-8 remains redox-inert.
- Thermal Pyrolysis Behavior: When subjected to high-temperature carbonization under inert atmospheres ($\text{N}_2/\text{Ar}$), ZIF-67 converts into magnetic, cobalt-embedded nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanostructures ($\text{Co-NC}$), enabling rapid magnetic recovery in liquid-phase catalysis.
- Acid-Base Stability: ZIF-67 demonstrates enhanced resistance to strong basic media (pH up to 14) compared to ZIF-8, making it highly suitable for alkaline water electrolysis and fuel cell electrochemistry.
Macro Industry Solutions Powered by ZIF-67
How tier-1 global engineering firms leverage ZIF-67 powders and derivatives across energy transition, environmental remediation, and chemical processing.
Electrocatalysis & Green Hydrogen
ZIF-67 serves as an efficient non-precious metal electrocatalyst precursor for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) and Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER). Carbonized ZIF-67 derivative matrices exhibit low overpotentials ($\sim 260 \text{ mV}$ at $10 \text{ mA/cm}^2$), dramatically reducing electrode costs in alkaline water electrolyzers.
Advanced Oxidation & Wastewater
In environmental engineering, ZIF-67 acts as a heterogeneous catalyst to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and persulfate (PS). It generates sulfate radicals ($\text{SO}_4^{\bullet-}$) and hydroxyl radicals ($\text{OH}^{\bullet}$) for the rapid degradation of recalcitrant organic pollutants, pharmaceuticals, and dyes in industrial effluent.
Supercapacitors & Battery Systems
ZIF-67 templated porous carbon and $\text{Co}_3\text{O}_4$ hollow architectures deliver ultra-high specific capacitance ($>800 \text{ F/g}$) in supercapacitors. Applied to lithium-sulfur battery separators, ZIF-67 arrays effectively suppress the "polysulfide shuttle effect" through strong chemical interaction.
Gas Capture & VOC Abatement
Featuring narrow sub-nanometer pore windows, ZIF-67 displays molecular sieving behavior optimized for $\text{CO}_2/\text{CH}_4$ and $\text{C}_2\text{H}_4/\text{C}_2\text{H}_6$ gas separations, as well as high-capacity capture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, toluene, and xylene from emissions streams.
Heterogeneous Organic Synthesis
The Lewis acidic cobalt sites within unpyrolyzed ZIF-67 act as effective heterogeneous catalysts for the cycloaddition of carbon dioxide with epoxides to synthesize cyclic carbonates, presenting a carbon-negative route for high-value fine chemical production.
Comprehensive MOF Performance Matrix
Direct technical comparison between ZIF-67 and industrial benchmark MOF grades for procurement decision-making.
| MOF Nomenclature | Metal Node / Linker | BET Surface Area | Pore Size (Aperture) | Thermal Stability | Primary Commercial Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZIF-67 (Cobalt SOD) | $\text{Co}^{2+}$ / 2-Methylimidazole | 1,600 - 1,800 m²/g | 3.4 Å (Cage: 11.6 Å) | Up to 350°C (N₂) | OER/HER Catalysis, AOP Pollution Control, Supercapacitors |
| ZIF-8 (Zinc SOD) | $\text{Zn}^{2+}$ / 2-Methylimidazole | 1,300 - 1,600 m²/g | 3.4 Å (Cage: 11.6 Å) | Up to 400°C (N₂) | CO₂ Capture, Li-ion Separator Coatings, Hydrophobic Filter |
| HKUST-1 (Cu-BTC) | $\text{Cu}^{2+}$ / Trimesic acid | 1,500 - 1,900 m²/g | 9.0 Å & 14.0 Å | Up to 240°C (Air) | Specialty Gas Storage, Methane Purification, Sensing |
| MIL-101(Cr) | $\text{Cr}^{3+}$ / Terephthalic acid | 2,800 - 3,400 m²/g | 12.0 Å & 34.0 Å | Up to 300°C (Air) | Volatile Organic Solvent Recovery, Acid Catalysis |
| Al-FUM | $\text{Al}^{3+}$ / Fumaric acid | 1,000 - 1,200 m²/g | ~6.0 Å | Up to 450°C (Air) | Atmospheric Water Harvesting, Desiccant Cooling Systems |
| MOF-303 | $\text{Al}^{3+}$ / Pyrazoledicarboxylic acid | 1,100 - 1,400 m²/g | ~6.0 Å | Up to 500°C (Air) | Low-Humidity Water Generation, Gas Separation |
Global Commercial & Industrial Status of ZIF-67 Manufacturing
The global commercial landscape for Metal-Organic Frameworks has undergone a profound shift from laboratory gram-scale synthesis to ton-scale industrial manufacturing. China has emerged as the premier manufacturing hub for advanced MOF powders, driven by integrated chemical supply chains, abundant precursor availability (specifically high-purity cobalt salts and 2-methylimidazole), and continuous innovation in green solvent-free mechanochemistry.
When selecting the best ZIF-67 exporters and factory partners, international procurement executives must navigate three primary industry challenges:
1. Purity Verification & Crystallinity Consistency
In bulk synthesis, incomplete coordination between cobalt nodes and 2-methylimidazole linkers can leave unreacted precursors or amorphous phase impurities. Top-tier exporters validate every batch using X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) to guarantee phase purity, together with Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) to verify structural thermal boundaries up to 350°C.
2. Controlled Particle Sizing & Morphological Customization
Different applications demand distinct crystal sizes. While electrocatalytic coatings require monodisperse sub-100nm nanocrystals for maximal electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), fixed-bed gas separation columns require larger micro-sized particles ($1 - 5 \ \mu\text{m}$) to minimize bed pressure drop. Premier suppliers provide customized grain size distributions tailored to end-user technical specifications.
3. Solvent Evacuation & Activation Protocols
ZIF-67 synthesized via conventional DMF or methanol routes traps organic solvent molecules inside its 1.16 nm cages. Unremoved solvent drastically reduces effective BET surface area. Advanced Chinese exporter facilities utilize vacuum activation and supercritical $\text{CO}_2$ drying techniques, ensuring open coordination sites and maximum pore accessibility upon delivery.
Compliance, Hazard Classification & International Export Standards
Exporting cobalt-based coordination compounds globally requires total alignment with strict safety, chemical control, and environmental frameworks. Because ZIF-67 contains transition metal cobalt ions, international logistics and regulatory clearing involve specific documentation standards that certified exporters manage seamlessly.
REACH & TSCA Alignment
Fully compliant with EU REACH registration protocols for heavy-metal inorganic-organic hybrid polymers. Comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) adhering to GHS Rev. 9 are provided in 15+ languages.
UN Hazardous Goods Packaging
Cobalt-containing nanomaterials are packaged under UN3077 (Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Solid, N.O.S., Class 9) compliance guidelines using multi-layer moisture-proof anti-static foil bags inside UN-rated drums.
Batch COA Verification
Every shipment is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) containing lot-specific Nitrogen Physisorption isotherms (BET surface area), XRD spectrum matching, and ICP-OES metal assay data.
Technical Roadmap & Next-Generation MOF Derivatives
As the industrial adoption of ZIF-67 accelerates across clean energy and chemical manufacturing sectors, ongoing R&D focuses on solving key operational bottlenecks while expanding the material's functional envelope. Leading exporters are currently driving advancements in three critical technical vectors:
1. Solvent-Free Continuous Flow Mechanochemistry
Traditional solvothermal batch synthesis requires significant volumes of organic solvents (such as DMF or methanol), adding recycling overhead and environmental cost. Next-generation production facilities are transitioning to twin-screw extrusion mechanochemistry. This process enables solvent-free, continuous reaction flows capable of delivering multi-ton ZIF-67 outputs per month with near-zero VOC emissions and reduced production costs.
2. Core-Shell & Bimetallic ZIF Derivatives (ZIF-67@ZIF-8)
By epitaxially growing hydrophobic ZIF-8 shells onto ZIF-67 cores, material engineers produce core-shell heterostructures ($\text{ZIF-67@ZIF-8}$). These architectural innovations combine the high electrocatalytic activity of cobalt cores with the superior moisture and chemical stability of zinc shells. Additionally, bimetallic $\text{Co/Zn-ZIF}$ materials allow precise tuning of electron density at catalytic cobalt centers, yielding enhanced turnover frequencies (TOF) in OER and AOP reactions.
3. Mixed-Matrix Membrane (MMM) Engineering
Integrating pristine ZIF-67 microcrystalline powders into polymeric matrices (such as polyimide, polysulfone, or PVDF) yields robust flexible membranes for industrial gas separation and water desalination. Controlling interfacial compatibility between the organic polymer and inorganic ZIF-67 nanoparticles prevents non-selective interfacial voids, paving the way for scalable roll-to-roll membrane manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Global Buyers
Direct technical and commercial answers for purchasing managers, research directors, and industrial engineers.
What is the standard minimum order quantity (MOQ) for industrial ZIF-67 export orders?
For standard research evaluation and pilot prototyping, evaluation quantities starting from 100g to 1kg can be dispatched rapidly via air express. For commercial industrial supply contracts, standard export packaging begins at 10kg drums up to multi-ton bulk container lots, complete with custom palletizing and UN-compliant hazardous goods documentation.
How should ZIF-67 powder be stored to prevent structural degradation?
ZIF-67 is chemically stable, but prolonged exposure to ambient humidity can cause gradual water adsorption into its micropores. It should be stored in tightly sealed, airtight containers under a dry nitrogen or inert atmosphere at room temperature ($15^\circ\text{C} - 25^\circ\text{C}$). If exposed to moisture during handling, the powder can be reactivated by heating under vacuum at $120^\circ\text{C} - 150^\circ\text{C}$ for 6 to 12 hours prior to application.
Can ZIF-67 be supplied in custom liquid dispersion formats or custom particle sizes?
Yes. Beyond dry microcrystalline powders, leading factories provide pre-dispersed ZIF-67 liquid slurries in organic solvents such as ethanol, isopropanol (IPA), NMP, or DMF with customized solid content concentrations ($5\% - 30\% \text{ wt}$). Particle sizes can also be engineered from $100 \text{ nm}$ nanospheres to $5 \ \mu\text{m}$ polyhedrons based on customer requirements.
What pyrolytic conditions are recommended to convert ZIF-67 into catalytic Co-NC carbon frameworks?
To produce highly conductive cobalt and nitrogen co-doped porous carbon ($\text{Co-NC}$), ZIF-67 powder is typically pyrolyzed in a tube furnace under continuous high-purity Nitrogen or Argon flow. Heating rates are usually set between $2^\circ\text{C}/\text{min}$ and $5^\circ\text{C}/\text{min}$ up to a target dwell temperature of $700^\circ\text{C} - 900^\circ\text{C}$ for 2 to 4 hours. Subsequent acid washing with $0.5 \text{ M } \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4$ or $\text{HCl}$ can be performed to leach out inactive metallic cobalt nanoparticles if exposed active site mesopores are required.
How does ZIF-67 perform under acidic vs. basic conditions?
ZIF-67 exhibits robust stability in strongly alkaline aqueous solutions (pH 9–14) and hot organic solvents. However, like most imidazolate-based frameworks, pristine ZIF-67 will undergo structural protonation and framework dissolution in acidic media ($\text{pH} < 5$). For acidic applications, carbonized ZIF-67 derivatives or core-shell modified composites should be selected.
What technical documentation is required for international customs clearance of ZIF-67 shipments?
Full export documentation provided by certified exporters includes the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin (COO), GHS-compliant 16-section Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), and the Official Dangerous Goods Inspection Certificate for Sea/Air Transport of Chemical Goods.
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