Synthesis, Characterization, Stability, and Gas Adsorption Characteristics of a Highly Stable Zirconium Mesaconate Framework Material

A new ZrIV mesaconate framework material was synthesized by heating a mixture of ZrCl4, mesaconic acid, and acetic acid in a molar ratio of 1:1:30 in DMF at 150 degrees C for 24 h. The influence of the molar ratio of ZrCl4/acetic acid on the crystallinity of the compound was examined. The as-synthesized compound was Soxhlet-extracted with ethanol and subsequently heated under vacuum to remove guest solvent molecules from the pores. Both the as-synthesized sample and the thermally activated sample of this new material were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and elemental analysis. The compound is thermally stable up to 320 degrees C under air. XRPD experiments indicate that the compound maintains its crystallinity upon exposure to water, acetic acid, and 1 M HCl. According to the N-2 sorption analyses, the compound possesses a BET surface area of 662 m(2)g(-1). Thus, the material is a promising candidate for gas storage and separation owing to its high physiochemical stability and considerable porosity.