Particle size effect on the catalytic properties of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) possess unique structural, textural, and physico-chemical properties and, therefore, they are promising materials for the synthesis of catalysts. The presence of acidic and basic sites in the structure of ZIFs and the possibility of controlling their number and accessibility offer various ways of using ZIFs in acid-base catalysis. Domestic and foreign works devoted to the study of the catalytic properties of ZIFs in reactions of the acid-base type and published within the recent 15 years are reviewed. Special attention is given to the effect of the crystal size of ZIFs on their catalytic properties in such reactions as condensation, cyclization, and esterification. The advantages and drawbacks of ZIFs as catalysts and the main questions that arise during practical use are considered.