The Me(almIM)2 structural ZIFs: Synthesis, characterization and application

The Me(almIM)2 structural ZIFs are formed from the metal ions Me2+ and the linker 4-methyl-5-imidazolecarboxaldehyde (HalmIM), with the Me–almIM–Me bond angle similar to the Si–O–Si angle in zeolites (145o). Depending on the type of bond formed, Me(almIM)2 material has RHO or SOD structure with good thermal and chemical stability. With pore diameter of about 3.0-3.7 Å connected to large cavities with sizes from 9.1-17.9 Å and a structural frameworks containing two groups –CH3 and –CHO with hydrophilic properties, when the –CHO groups is modified by amine groups through imine condensation reaction, we can create hydrophobic materials for diverse applications in adsorption, separation, sensing, biomedical and catalysis. This review report collects results from more than 100 research papers related to Me(almIM)2 from 2010 to present and provides some recommendations on their synthesis, characterization and application in the future.