3D nanoweb-like zeolitic imidazole framework in a microfluidic system for catalytic applications

Abstract

A 3D nanoweb-like zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF-8) as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst was structured inside a functionalized microfluidic channel by immobilizing the ZIF on 3D carbon nanotube (CNT) networks across the gap among the built-in micropillars for the Knoevenagel condensation reaction. The quantitative conversion was achieved under mild conditions of ethanol solvent and room temperature. The ZIF-8 3D nanoweb systems showed higher conversion than the identical systems without CNT-based networks which indicates the catalytic superiority of 3D nanoweb structures.