Converting unconventional precursors into advanced separation materials can reduce manufacturing complexity while affording economic and environmental benefits. Here we report the conversion of various aluminum-containing commercial products, such as recycled beverage cans and aluminum foil, to both supported and nonsupported metal−organic frameworks (MOFs). Supported MOF/aluminum composites grow from and on aluminum via hydrothermal treatment to create multiple supported MOF topologies. The same precursor is also employed to generate nonsupported MOFs using HCl (aq) as an etching agent. High yields (∼83%) of MIL-53(Al) are achieved using aluminum foil, with products possessing textural properties that are consistent with conventionally synthesized materials. This study provides a synthesis methodology for enhancing the economic viability of next-generation separation materials.

MIL-53(Al) forms uniform, 1D structures when produced from insoluble metal sources. Pyrolysis of these structures forms new alumina-based nanorods that extend up to 5 μm in one dimension. No external template or structure–direction is required.