Facile synthesis of size-tunable ZIF-8 nanocrystals using reverse micelles as nanoreactors

This paper describes a robust method for the synthesis of high-quality ZIF-8 nanocrystals using reverse micelles as discrete nanoscale reactors. The precise size control of ZIF-8 nanocrystals is conveniently achieved by tuning the concentration of precursors, reaction temperatures, the amount of water, and the structure of surfactants. The as-synthesized ZIF-8 nanocrystals are of narrow distribution and tunable size. A size-dependent catalytic activity for Knoevenagel condensation reaction is further demonstrated by using ZIF-8 nanocrystals with different sizes as the catalysts. This facile method opens up a new opportunity in the synthesis of various ZIFs nanocrystals.