Synthesis of ZIF-62 and AgZIF-62
Generally, ZIF-62 particles were synthesised using solvothermal methods
reported by Frentze-Beyme et al. with slight
modifications.[27] ZIF-62 particles are usually
reported with an x value which represents the benzimidazole ratio in the
particle according to the formula below:
\begin{equation}
x\ =\ 2c(bim)/(c(im)\ +\ c(bim))\ \nonumber \\
\end{equation}whereby c is the molar concentration
Different amounts of
Zn(NO3)2ยท6H2O, Im, bIm
and DMF as per were measured into a Schott bottle and stirred until
fully dissolved. Once fully dissolved, the Schott bottle was tightly
sealed and left to react in a 130 oC oven for four
days. The resulting solids were then soaked and washed with methanol
three times before being dried in a 70 oC oven
overnight before use.
Table 1: Precursor amount for ZIF-62 synthesis.