High-Purity Metal-Organic Framework Powders & Dispersions
Direct factory supply of certified MIL-101(Cr), MOF-5, HKUST-1, and customized porous frameworks engineered for critical industrial applications.
Crystallographic Architecture & Structural Superiority of MIL-101(Cr)
Understanding why Chromium Terephthalate Frameworks dominate high-capacity gas adsorption and harsh chemical catalytic workflows.
Among the thousands of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) synthesized over the past three decades, MIL-101(Cr) (Matériaux de l'Institut Lavoisier No. 101) stands out as a landmark material for industrial chemical separation and advanced material engineering. Formed by the hydrothermal assembly of chromium(III) inorganic trimers $[Cr_3(\mu_3-O)(F/OH)(H_2O)_2]^{6+}$ linked by 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate (BDC) linkers, MIL-101(Cr) possesses a rigid, highly porous three-dimensional lattice exhibiting extraordinary structural features.
Unlike conventional zeolites or activated carbons which suffer from limited pore volumes or broad pore-size distributions, MIL-101(Cr) features a giant mesoporous cage structure comprising two distinct types of inner cavities:
- Medium Mesoporous Cages (~29 Å inner diameter): Accessible through pentagonal windows with a narrow aperture of approximately 12 Å.
- Large Mesoporous Cages (~34 Å inner diameter): Accessible through hexagonal windows with an aperture of approximately 16 Å.
Key Technical Insight: Unsaturated Metal Sites (UMS) & Open Coordination Chemistry
Upon thermal activation under vacuum (150°C–180°C), terminal water molecules coordinating to the Cr(III) metal centers are reversibly removed without collapsing the framework lattice. This process exposes terminal Unsaturated Metal Sites (Lewis acid sites), creating powerful electronic polarization traps for polar gas molecules ($CO_2, H_2S, NH_3$), organic contaminants, and active catalytic species.
The theoretical Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of pristine MIL-101(Cr) ranges between 3,000 m²/g to 4,200 m²/g, with total pore volumes reaching 1.9 to 2.2 cm³/g. This ultra-high porosity enables unprecedented gravimetric guest molecule adsorption capacity, making MIL-101(Cr) the material of choice for industrial gas storage, toxic vapor extraction, and liquid-phase decontamination.
Extreme Hydrothermal Stability
Maintains crystalline structural integrity in boiling water for over 30 days and across an ultra-broad aqueous pH range (pH 1 to pH 12), outperforming MOF-5 and HKUST-1.
High Thermal Resistance
Demonstrates structural stability up to 300°C–350°C under air and inert environments, allowing multiple thermal desorptions without surface area loss.
Tunable Organic Linkers
Compatible with Post-Synthetic Modification (PSM) such as amino ($MIL-101(Cr)-NH_2$), nitro, or sulfonic acid functionalization for selective target guest capture.
Industrial Scalability & The China Supply Chain Edge
Bridging the gap between milligram academic synthesis and reliable multi-ton industrial mass production.
Historically, commercializing MIL-101(Cr) presented significant engineering bottlenecks. Traditional lab-scale hydrothermal synthesis routes relied heavily on hydrofluoric acid (HF) as a mineralizer, generating hazardous corrosive toxic waste and introducing trace fluoride contaminants that impaired surface area. Furthermore, unreacted 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid ($H_2BDC$) trapped within the large mesoporous cages frequently reduced BET surface area to below 2,000 m²/g if not rigorously extracted.
As China’s leading industrial MOF manufacturer operating a state-of-the-art 10,000 m² R&D and production center in Zhuhai, Guangdong, KARGEN (Guangdong Advanced Carbon Materials Co., Ltd.) has overcome these legacy challenges through proprietary green hydrothermal technology and automated continuous purification workflows.
HF-Free Green Hydrothermal Route
Our scaled reaction systems utilize non-toxic fluoride-free mineralization agents, ensuring environmental safety, zero toxic halide residuals, and higher lattice purity across ton batches.
Dual-Stage Solvent Extraction
Automated N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and ethanol wash cycles completely clear pore cavities of unreacted linkers, consistently yielding BET surface areas over 3,200 m²/g.
Vertical Supply Chain Cost Leadership
China produces over 70% of global terephthalic acid ($H_2BDC$) and chromium salts. Direct upstream raw material integration lowers landed costs by 40% to 60% compared to Western suppliers.
Industrial Applications & Performance Benchmarks
Quantitative performance metrics demonstrating MIL-101(Cr) efficiency across critical environmental and energy sectors.
1. Carbon Capture & Flue Gas Separation ($CO_2/N_2$ & $CO_2/CH_4$)
Industrial flue gas streams contain high moisture levels, sulfur compounds, and elevated temperatures. Standard zeolites (like 13X) rapidly lose capacity in the presence of water vapor due to competitive binding. MIL-101(Cr) maintains its $CO_2$ working capacity even under relative humidity (RH) conditions up to 75%.
At 1 bar and 298 K, pristine MIL-101(Cr) captures up to 3.2 mmol/g of $CO_2$. When functionalized with polyethyleneimine (PEI) or triethylenetetramine (TETA), low-pressure $CO_2$ uptake jumps to over 4.8 mmol/g with an ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) $CO_2/N_2$ selectivity exceeding 120.
2. Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Capture & Air Purification
Chemical manufacturing plants, automotive paint booths, and semiconductor cleanrooms emit low-concentration hazardous VOCs (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, Formaldehyde, Acetone). MIL-101(Cr)’s hydrophobic pore structure enables selective adsorption of aromatic hydrocarbons without being fouled by atmospheric moisture.
- Toluene Adsorption Capacity: Reaches > 1,000 mg/g at $P/P_0 = 0.5$, 3x higher than premium granular activated carbon (GAC).
- Desorption Energy Savings: Complete thermal desorption occurs at 120°C–140°C, significantly reducing steam energy consumption compared to high-temperature activated carbons.
3. Wastewater Remediation & Toxic Ion Removal
Due to its remarkable stability in acidic water (pH 1–4), MIL-101(Cr) acts as a high-capacity adsorbent for toxic heavy metal ions ($Cr(VI)$, $Pb(II)$, $As(III)$) and recalcitrant organic dyes (Methyl Orange, Rhodamine B). Furthermore, functionalized variants ($MIL-101(Cr)-SO_3H$) serve as stable solid Lewis/Brønsted acid catalysts for esterification and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs).
| MOF Grade | Metal Node | BET Surface Area (m²/g) | Pore Vol (cm³/g) | Water Stability | Primary Industrial Field |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIL-101(Cr) | Chromium (Cr³⁺) | 3,000 – 4,000 | 1.9 – 2.1 | Exceptional (pH 1-12) | VOC Adsorption, CO₂ Capture, Catalysis |
| ZIF-8 | Zinc (Zn²⁺) | 1,300 – 1,800 | 0.6 – 0.75 | High (Basic media) | Battery Separators, CO₂ Separation |
| HKUST-1 | Copper (Cu²⁺) | 1,500 – 2,000 | 0.75 – 0.85 | Low (Moisture sensitive) | Specialty Gas Purification, H₂ Storage |
| MIL-53(Al) | Aluminium (Al³⁺) | 1,100 – 1,500 | 0.55 – 0.65 | High (Hydrothermal) | Breathing Gas Separation, VOC Sensing |
| MOF-5 | Zinc (Zn²⁺) | 2,500 – 3,200 | 1.0 – 1.2 | Poor (Hydrolyzes easily) | Cryogenic H₂ & CH₄ Storage |
Global Regulatory Compliance & Localized Technical Support
Rigorous quality controls, hazardous substance documentation, and seamless international chemical export logistics.
Purchasing advanced nanomaterials on an international scale requires absolute regulatory certainty, material purity guarantees, and rapid local technical assistance. KARGEN operates a fully certified quality management system ensuring every batch of MIL-101(Cr) meets global industrial standards.
Full Regulatory Dossiers (REACH / RoHS / SDS)
Every shipment is accompanied by GHS-compliant 16-section Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Certificates of Analysis (COA) containing BET & XRD spectrums, and REACH/RoHS declaration letters for European Union compliance.
Protective Packaging & Logistics Security
MIL-101(Cr) powder is packaged in vacuum-sealed double-layer aluminum foil bags under argon/nitrogen atmosphere, enclosed in UN-rated steel drums to prevent moisture pickup or oxidation during ocean transit.
24-Hour Application Support
Our team of PhD material scientists provides localized application consultation, helping global chemical engineers integrate MIL-101(Cr) into existing fixed-bed reactors, desiccant wheels, or structured membrane substrates.
Global Regional Market Demand & Deployment Scenarios
How industries across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific leverage KARGEN MIL-101(Cr) for competitive market advantage.
North America: Carbon Capture & Shale Gas Purification
Driven by US Inflation Reduction Act 45Q tax credits for carbon sequestration, North American energy producers utilize MIL-101(Cr) in point-source industrial flue gas capture pilots and sour gas ($H_2S/CO_2$) sweetening systems.
European Union: Strict VOC Emission Compliance
Under the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (IED), European automotive and chemical manufacturing plants adopt MIL-101(Cr) rotor desiccant wheels for low-energy abatement of volatile solvents like toluene, ethyl acetate, and acetone.
Asia-Pacific: Electronics Gas Purification & Wastewater Treatment
Leading semiconductor fabs and battery production centers in Japan, South Korea, and China integrate customized MIL-101(Cr) frameworks for ultra-pure gas filtration and toxic heavy metal recovery from industrial effluents.
Frequently Asked Questions for MOF Engineers & Buyers
Scientific and commercial answers compiled by KARGEN application engineers to assist your procurement evaluation.
What is the guaranteed BET surface area for KARGEN’s commercial MIL-101(Cr)?
Our standard commercial-grade MIL-101(Cr) powder is guaranteed to have a BET surface area of ≥ 3,000 m²/g (N₂ adsorption at 77 K), with high-purity laboratory research lots reaching up to 3,800–4,200 m²/g. Every single batch undergoes nitrogen physisorption testing on Micromeritics instruments and comes with a signed Certificate of Analysis (COA).
How should MIL-101(Cr) be thermally activated before gas adsorption experiments?
To fully evacuate guest solvent molecules (water/ethanol) and expose the open chromium Lewis acid sites, we recommend degassing the powder under vacuum (< 10⁻² Pa) at 150°C to 180°C for 10 to 12 hours. Avoid exceeding 300°C for extended periods to prevent partial structural collapse.
Is KARGEN MIL-101(Cr) fluorine-free?
Yes. While academic literature frequently uses hydrofluoric acid (HF) as a crystallization promoter, KARGEN’s proprietary industrial plant uses an HF-free synthesis methodology. This ensures zero residual fluoride contamination, making our material safer to handle and environmentally compliant for commercial production.
Can KARGEN supply amine-functionalized MIL-101(Cr)-NH₂ or custom particle sizes?
Absolutly. We offer direct synthetic and post-synthetic modifications including MIL-101(Cr)-NH₂, MIL-101(Cr)-SO₃H, and MIL-101(Cr)-NO₂. Furthermore, our particle sizing capabilities allow us to supply nano-sized powders (100–300 nm) for membrane fabrication or micro-pelletized/extruded granules (1–3 mm) for industrial packed-bed adsorption columns.
What is the shelf life and storage protocol for bulk MIL-101(Cr) shipments?
When stored in its original unopened vacuum packaging in a cool, dry warehouse (15°C–25°C), MIL-101(Cr) has an indefinite chemical shelf life exceeding 3 years. If the package is opened, simply store unused portions in a desiccator or re-seal under dry inert gas ($N_2$ or Argon).
Does KARGEN provide free evaluation samples for OEM R&D projects?
Yes. We provide 1g to 5g free evaluation samples to qualified industrial research teams, battery manufacturers, and HVAC engineering firms worldwide. The buyer only pays for international courier shipping (DHL/FedEx). Contact our technical sales team with your application details to request sample qualification.
Explore Additional High-Performance Frameworks
Comprehensive supply of ultra-high surface area MOF powders for hydrogen storage, environmental remediation, and specialty separation.
Partner with China’s Leading MIL-101(Cr) Manufacturer
Accelerate your industrial gas capture, VOC remediation, or custom catalytic projects with ton-scale MOF material supply, full regulatory documentation, and PhD-led technical guidance.