PNNL

Abstract

Detailed multistep pathways of directed metal-organic framework (MOF) formation remains elusive. This study provides direct insights into the complex roles of structure-directing agents (SDAs) played during the synthesis of a promising zeolitic metal organic framework (ZMOF), by the observation of intermediate coordination complexes. Specifically, a novel molecular intermediate was observed in the formation of an indium ZMOF with a sodalite topology. The role of the imidazole SDA was revealed by time-resolved in situ powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS).