An effective "precursor-transformation" route toward the high-yield synthesis of ZIF-8 tubes.

An effective "precursor-transformation" route was developed for the high-yield synthesis of ZIF-8 tubes based on the reaction of 1D Zn-EG (ethylene glycol) wires with 2-methylimidazole (with around 0.6 g of ZIF-8/60 mL of solvent, the yield is over 90% based on Zn). The ZIF-8 tubes fixed on a sponge can be used as an effective material for oil/water separation.