Synthesis of porous ZrC particles derived from MOF-801

Porous zirconium carbide (ZrC) nanoparticles were synthesized by carbothermal reduction using MOF-801, a zirconium -based metal-organic framework (Zr-MOF), and sucrose, which serves as an environment-friendly carbon source. The sucrose was adsorbed into the pores of MOF-801 for adjusting the carbon content. The results showed that the final ZrC particles retained the morphology of the initial MOF-801 particles with a round shape and a uniform size of 261 +/- 37 nm. Importantly, the material was able to maintain its high surface area up to 1500 degree celsius. The specific surface area of ZrC nanoparticles synthesized using a 1.5:1 Sucrose: MOF-801 molar ratio gradually decreased from 186 m(2)/g to 13 m(2)/g as the reaction temperature increased from 1500 C to 2000 degree celsius, revealing that the porosity of the porous ZrC particles can be controlled due to partial sintering inside the particles at different temperatures. Porous ZrC particles show promise for ultra -high temperature applications such as thermal insulation and as porous substrates.