Compression-induced deformation of individual metal-organic framework microcrystals.

The deformation and mechanical behavior of individual zeolitic-imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) micro- and sub-microcrystals were observed under compression. Young's modulus and volume changes as a function of applied pressure were determined on individual single crystals, offering insights in the relationship among structure, morphology, and mechanical properties. Dramatic volume decreases and amorphization were detected during compression over a pressure range of 0-4 GPa for individual 1.2 μm ZIF-8 microcrystals, and the deformed microcrystals partially recovered after pressure release. The orientation and size effects on the mechanical behavior of ZIF-8 nano- and microcrystals were also investigated. The presence of solvates within the pores of the ZIF-8 has a dramatic effect on the mechanical properties of the single crystals. Methanol-solvated ZIF-8 microcrystals are much less deformable than the desolvated microcrystals and shatter completely at very low applied force.