Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-L (ZIF-L) – Layered Zinc-Based Metal–Organic Framework

Description

Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-L (ZIF-L) – Layered Zinc-Based Metal–Organic Framework

ZIF-L is a two-dimensional, zinc-imidazolate metal–organic framework distinguished by its lamellar (leaf-like) morphology, exceptionally high surface area, and strong chemical stability. Constructed from zinc ions coordinated with 2-methylimidazole linkers, this layered MOF structure provides abundant accessible active sites and facilitates rapid molecular diffusion.

Thanks to its unique sheet-like architecture, ZIF-L performs exceptionally well in gas adsorption, catalytic reactions, separation technologies, and environmental treatment systems. Additionally, ZIF-L acts as a metastable precursor, capable of converting into the more stable ZIF-8 phase under controlled conditions—an advantage for researchers looking to tune crystal structure, surface properties, or final material composition.

Our high-purity ZIF-L is produced with controlled particle morphology and consistent quality, supporting a broad range of research, industrial development, and advanced material fabrication.

Key Features

• Two-dimensional, layered cobalt–imidazolate MOF structure

• High surface area with naturally abundant active sites

• Exceptional chemical and moisture stability

• Lamellar morphology enables fast mass and ion transport

• Useful as a precursor for ZnO and other functional nanomaterials

• Tunable transformation pathway from ZIF-L → ZIF-8

Typical Applications

1. Catalysis

The layered architecture of ZIF-L exposes numerous active sites, improving its performance in polymerization reactions, oxidation processes, and electrocatalytic applications such as hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction.

2. Gas Adsorption & Separation

ZIF-L membranes exhibit enhanced hydrophilicity and stability, making them promising candidates for CO₂ capture, N₂ separation, and selective adsorption in mixed-gas environments.

3. Environmental Remediation

Due to its chemical robustness in aqueous media, ZIF-L is highly effective in photocatalytic degradation of dyes, organic pollutants, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater contaminants under UV or visible light.

4. Energy Storage

ZIF-L is widely used as a precursor for zinc oxide (ZnO), porous carbon materials, and hybrid nanostructures that demonstrate improved performance in:

• Supercapacitors

• Microbial fuel cells

• ORR (oxygen reduction reaction) catalysts

• Battery electrode development

5. Sensors & Detection Technologies

Layered ZIF-L and its derivatives provide high sensitivity in electrochemical and gas sensing platforms due to facilitated charge transfer and large exposed surface area.

6. Biomedical & Bio-Functional Applications

Owing to its biocompatibility and porous structure, ZIF-L has been explored for:

• Drug delivery systems

• Antibacterial coatings

• Controlled release formulations

Technical Properties

• Empirical Formula: Zn(C₄H₅N₂)₂

• Appearance: White, crystalline layered solid

• Elemental Composition:
  • C: ~0.07 wt%
  • O: ~7.81 wt%
  • Zn: ~2.12 wt%

• CAS Number: 59061-53-9

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Production / Synthesis Overview

ZIF-L is typically synthesized through a solution-based self-assembly process, where zinc salts react with 2-methylimidazole under controlled pH, temperature, and solvent conditions. The formation of layered nanosheets occurs through anisotropic crystal growth. Adjusting reaction parameters allows researchers to switch between ZIF-L and ZIF-8 phases, enabling precise control over the resulting morphology.

The final product is washed, purified, and dried to maintain its lamellar 2D framework and high surface area.