A flexible, strong, heat- and water-resistant zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8)/ aramid nanofibers (ANFs) composite nanopaper

Abstract A feasible strategy by incorporation of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanocrystals on aramid nanofibers (ANFs) to prepare a flexible, strong, water-resistant ZIF-8/ANFs composite nanopaper with excellent gas adsorption capacity and good thermal stability was proposed. The morphologies, bonding behaviors between ZIF-8 and ANFs, gas adsorption capacity, thermal stability, mechanical properties and water resistance of the composite nanopaper were investigated. The result shows that the in situ synthesis of ZIF-8 nanocrystals in ANFs/DMSO solution could improve the bonding states and distribution homogeneity of ZIF-8 nanocrystals. The flexible ZIF-8/ANFs composite nanopaper exhibits excellent adsorption capability (specific surface area of 246.2 m2/g, total pore volumes of 0.106 cm3/g and 79.1 cm3/g of nitrogen adsorption quantity at relative pressure of 0.55), favorable water resistance (remains tensile strength after soaking in water for 48 h), impressive thermal stability (initial decomposition temperature of 485 °C), which is beneficial to broaden the application of ANFs in gas adsorption and separation field used in harsh conditions such as high temperature and humid environment.