Advanced fabrication of metal–organic frameworks: template-directed formation of polystyrene@ZIF-8 core–shell and hollow ZIF-8 microspheres

The conjunction of porous ZIF-8 with polystyrene spheres is demonstrated to induce the formation of polystyrene@ZIF-8 core-shell structures. A subsequent etching process on polystyrene@ZIF-8 core-shells to remove polystyrene cores results in a unique hollow ZIF-8.