Synthesis of ZIF‐8 Hollow Spheres via MOF‐to‐MOF Conversion

Abstract We report herein the synthesis of ZIF‐8 hollow spheres with uniform size and shell thickness from monodisperse MOF‐5 cubes via the MOF‐to‐MOF conversion strategy. The ZIF‐8 hollow spheres were obtained by reacting micron‐sized MOF‐5 cubes in the 2‐methylimidazole solution under the optimized experimental conditions. Their chemical composition, crystallinity, porosity, and thermal stability were well characterized and their formation was investigated by time‐dependent electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The porous nature of MOF‐5 and the stronger coordination interaction between 2‐methylimidazole and Zn ions are believed to be responsible for the formation of the ZIF‐8 hollow spheres.