Synthesis and characterization of nano-sized magnesium 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate metal organic framework via electrochemical method

Nano-sized magnesium-benzene dicarboxylic acid metal-organic framework (Mg-BDC MOF) was successfully synthesized via anodic dissolution of Mg2+ ions into the reaction medium by using the electrochemical method (EC) without metal salts. Nano-sized Mg-BDC MOF structures with high purity and high yields (∼81%) were obtained and used as a new nanofiller in Poly (ethylene oxide) PEO-based polymer matrix. The crystalline structure of nano-sized Mg-BDC MOF were confirmed by the characteristic diffraction peaks based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The spherical shape and smooth structure of nano-sized Mg-BDC MOF were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses. Their dimensions were found to be in the range of ∼20 ​nm. PEO nanocomposite electrolyte consisting of Mg-BDC MOF was successfully prepared by using solution casting method. The homogeneous distribution of nano-sized Mg-BDC MOF nanoparticles within the PEO electrolyte matrix was examined by SEM analysis. The reason for the size reduction and uniform distribution of nano-sized Mg-BDC MOF was expressed as the positive physical interactions between the surface functional groups of PEO and Mg-BDC during the solution casting process and the absence of any possible Mg-BDC nanoparticle aggregation.